Right in the heat of Rose season, we bring you one of the very cool and unique wineries of Washington that focuses on crafting limited production Rose. Fiona Mak is a graduate of Syracuse University’s hospitality management program. Originally from Hong Kong, Fiona had a formidable career in the restaurant industry, making a host of great spots like Morimoto in Philadelphia, Haru Sushi in New York, and Quality Meats, in Manhattan. Fiona is also a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommelier.
In 2013 she traveled across country to begin her wine education at the Walla Walla Community College Enology and Viticulture program. She then was employed as a lab manager at Artifex Wine Company. Her wines are inspired by her travels to Provence and I can see that feeling of delicacy and nuance in each bottle. Rose is quite difficult to make well and I was very impressed with her latest set of releases. Her 2018 SMAK Wines ‘Summer’ Rose (WWB, 90) is wonderfully fresh and linear, with bright lip-smacking acidity. This is hard to resist stuff on a hot summer day. I also really enjoyed her 2018 SMAK Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose (WWB, 90) which continues the brightness but shows more earthy undertones. Learn more about this great new winery at https://www.smakwines.com Here are the great new releases by SMAK Wines.
2018 SMAK Wines ‘Spring’ Rose- The ‘Spring’ Rose is made from Sangiovese grapes grown in the Walla Walla Valley. The nose is very delicate with red fruits and gooseberry tones that meld in the glass. The palate shows a ton of brightness and intense acidity, but comes off a touch sour in the balance. This is pretty novel, intriguing stuff. Drink 2019-2022- 89
2018 SMAK Wines ‘Summer’ Rose- Made from Pinot Gris grapes sourced from the Walla Walla Valley, this Rose opens with a bouquet of bright pear, lemon blossom and shades of red raspberry that collide in the glass. The palate shows bright acidity with very linear green apple and kiwi flavors. The finish is very long and adds to the enjoyment. While this may come off a bit lean, the overall picture is very nice. Drink 2019-2022- 90
2018 SMAK Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose- The ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose by SMAK and winemaker Fiona May is sourced from Columbia Valley Sourced Syrah. The wine opens with hints of wild mushroom that combine with delicate red fruits on the nose. The texture entices, as does the bright acidity to the wine as very light red fruits dance with minerals. The finish is delightful. Drink 2019-2022- 90