Rose was formerly often produced as a simple wine, lacking thought or complexity to help boost winery sales. ‘I never thought of making Rose that way,’ said eminent vigneron Christophe Baron. ‘We make our Rose very carefully using specific sites in our vineyard that are best for Rose,’ he added. Cote Bonneville winemaker Kerry Shiels adds ‘We found a site in our vineyard that is best for Rose using Cabernet Franc grapes,’ she said. Christophe and Kerry continue to make some of the Pacific Northwest’s top Rose bottlings.
The quality of Rose wines continues to increase. With the American wine market loving wines of Provence, more and more wines from Washington and Oregon are crafted in this delicate style — the wines show finesse and many capture the art of blending. While the market wants these wines to be released early, Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm has mentioned how important it is to release his wines later following his Rose being aged in neutral oak which improves the range and texture of his wine.
Following up my 2019 Pacific Northwest Rose Report, my 2020 Report encompasses over 150 Rose releases. Similarly to the last two reports, it is clear that Rose wines from Oregon and Washington compete well with any of the best Rose wines in North America, including those from famed Napa, Sonoma and Central Coast estates. Rose wines from the Pacific Northwest will only continue to rise in quality. For my report I have categorized both good value Rose wines and top scoring Rose wines. This 2020 Pacific Northwest Rose Report is the most comprehensive Pacific Northwest Rose report available to the consumer.
Oregon Rose wines continue to gather great momentum in the value category, none more so than the 2018 Erath Rose (WWB, 87) and the 2019 Child’s Play Rose (WWB, 90) has stolen the show once again. I love everything about the 2019 Fairsing Vineyard Rose (WWB, 91) made by famed winemaker Robert Brittan and also I really enjoyed the 2019 Wines By Joe Rose (WWB, 87) which falls under fifteen dollars and shows delicate red fruits with a good degree of tension. Don’t miss out on the 2019 Lange Rose (WWB, 90) which is an awesome value and has wonderful bright acidity. Once again I was blown away with Toil Oregon and their 2019 Toil Rose (WWB, 93) is a simply magical Rose wine made by superstar winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar fame. This wine has seriously finesse, tension and complexity as well as subtlety and a long finish. Brian Marcy’s 2019 Big Table Farm Rose (WWB, 93) is a downright stunner, showing a serious level of depth and range both aromatically and on the palate. Other beautiful Rose wines were crafted by Gran Moraine, WillaKenzie, Stoller, Domaine Serene and many others.
Washington also offers some excellent value Rose, including the new 2019 ‘Le Rose’ by Chateau St. Michelle (WWB, 89), which has really good finesse and delicate red fruits. Look to the 2019 Charles and Charles Rose (WWB, 88) which impresses at the ten dollar mark. Also look to the finesse-driven 2019 Board Track Racer ‘The Vincent’ Rose (WWB, 89) as well as the brilliant 2019 Purple Star Rose (WWB, 90) and the 2019 Pearl and Stone ‘Unemployment Beach’ Rose (WWB, 91) which are both not to be missed. One of the great values once again is the 2019 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose (WWB, 92) which is made from Pinot Gris grapes and is a downright steal at only eighteen dollars retail.
Amongst the top scoring Rose wines out of Washington, famed winemaker Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards crafts his simply stunning ‘Edith’ Rose which was released late and comes from the warm, 2017 vintage (WWB, 93), showing amazing weight and terroir, with its light stony accents. I was blown away with Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss have created in their downright awesome 2019 Gramercy Cellars Rose (WWB, 93) which is elegant, layered and showing seriously good aromatic and flavor range. Once again I loved the 2019 DeLille Cellars Rose (WWB, 92) which has seriously good tension and richness, expertly crafted by superstar winemaker Jason Gorski. Also do not miss out on new 2019 Rose wines by, Avennia, EFESTE, W.T. Vintners,, Betz, K Vintners, Cote Bonneville, and many more. Cheers to you all from us at Washington Wine Blog as I hope you enjoy a wonderful, Rose-filled summer.
OREGON
Top Values ($25.00 and under)
2018 2 Hawk Rose-The Grenache Rose shows very faint red fruits that dance with minerals and rose water flavors. Coming off a bit lean, this refreshing style Rose really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 86
2019 Child’s Play Rose- Brightly colored once in the glass, the 2019 Child’s Play Rose shows pretty red cherry candy and watermelon tones that mingle with the wet stone and earthy undertones one the wine. The palate has a kiss of sweetness and wonderful verve, with medium bodied red fruit flavors that meld with minerals and a touch of blood orange zest. I love the range here. Fantastic right now, the beautiful Pinot Noir Rose will cellar well for another seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2018 Erath ‘Oregon’ Rose- The 2018 Erath Rose shows candied red cherry and lighter rose water tones on the palate. Lithe and having just a kiss of sweetness, this is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 87
2018 Elizabeth Chambers Rose- Very pretty red fruits dance with shades of honeydew melon on this enticing nose. The palate is beautifully textured with lighter red raspberry, guava and teaberry flavors that mingle with the good sense of minerality. Enjoy this in the short-term while the brightness remains intact. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Fairsing Vineyard Rose- An excellent new wine made by superstar winemaker Robert Brittan, the 2019 Fairsing Vineyard Rose utilizes Dijon 777 and Pommard selections macerated on the skins for two hours and was allowed to settle for an additional 48 hours before barrel fermentation in neutral French oak. This wine experienced a total elevage of five months before bottling March 17, 2020. This complex Rose shows nice nutty and earthy tones that meld with guava and bright Yakima cherry aromatics that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with delicate red fruits that dance with unripe honeydew melon and shades of wet stone with bright minerals that drive through to the finish. Wonderfully textured, with gobs of mouth-watering acidity, this beautiful wine will cellar well for the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2018 J. Scott Cellars Rose- Sourced from the Rogue Valley, this Grenache Rose shows delicate red fruits that dance with rose water and shades of orange rind on the palate. While obviously from a hot climate, I would love a touch more tension. Slightly sweet, enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 87
2019 King Estate Rose- A pretty bright pink, the 2019 Rose shows bright minerals with lighter orange rind and watermelon and sour cherry tones on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy this great new rose in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 90
2019 Lange Rose- Sourced from Dundee Hills Pinot Noir, the Lange Rose shows vibrant red fruit with a lovely citrus zest edge, with copious minerals. While this comes of a bit lean and linear, the lighter texture add to the enjoyment. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Numes Family Vineyards Rose- Lighter red fruits dance with minerals and smoky undertones on the nose. Enjoy the fresh, albeit a bit lean, wine in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 87
2019 Paul O’Brien ‘Oregon Territory’ Rose- Showing good brightness, with delicate red rose water and strawberry flavors, this is best suited for early consumption due to its brightness. Citrus rind accents and copious minerals make this a great summer sipper. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2018 Portland Wine Project Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2018 Portland Wine Project Rose shows good freshness with a kiss of sweetness alongside melon and red raspberry tones. While a touch cloying, the wine has good acidity to back it up. Drink 2020-2023- 88
NV Roxanne Winery Rose-The NV Roxanne Winery Rose shows good freshness and texture with bright Bing cherry and pomegranate seed flavors that mingle with the brightness. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2019 Sokol Blosser Rose- Soureed from estate Pinot Noir vines, the 2019 Sokol Blosser Rose offers pretty red currant and red rose petal aromas with earthy undertones that take shape in the glass. The palate is lively with very delicate red fruits that dance with suggestions of wet stone and citrus rind. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Three Otters Rose- Juicy and vibrant, the 2019 Three Otters Rose delivers bright and slightly sweet red fruits that dance with blood orange accents and minerals. This is seriously good for the price. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2018 Valley View ‘Rosado’ Rose- This has a great texture with lighter rose water, orange zest and pomegranate seed flavors. Enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2019 Yamhill Valley Vineyards Rose- Showing off its vibrant pink once in the glass, the 2019 Yamhill Valley Vineyards Rose shows lighter red fruit flavors with good acidity and shades of lemon rind on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, this really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2018 Wines by Joe Rose- Very delicate red fruits march on with citrus rind and wet stone accents. Soft and delicate, enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 87
Top Wines:
2019 Alexana Rose-The talented Brian Weil has chosen to ferment this Pinot Noir Rose in oak barrels for four months before bottling. Weighing in at 13.5% alcohol, the wine is wonderfully bright and shows a great sense of minerality mid-palate. Silky smooth with a soft texture, layers of sour cherry, pomegranate seed and orange rind flavors all come together marvelously on the palate. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Abacela Rose- This brightly colored Rose shows light red rose petals that meld with the bright red fruits on the nose. The palate has terrific freshness with orange rind and strawberry flavors that mingle with a soft texture and a wonderfully brightness. This has really good length and astringency. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Adelsheim Rose- This 2019 Artist Series wine is shows a beautiful landscape drawn on the label. Delicate red fruits with wild mushroom and damp earth undertones line the nose. The lip-smacking acidity that emerges on the mid-palate wonderfully dances with the bright strawberry, watermelon and wet stone flavors. Enjoy this beautiful new Rose over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 91
2019 Argyle Rose- A pretty salmon hue once in the glass, bright strawberry, watermelon and guava tones jump right out of the glass alongside some nice earthy undertones on the nose. The palate shows very light red fruits that dance with minerals and citrus rind accents. Enjoy in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2018 Audeant Rose- Very delicate red fruits and rose water and a light stony character line the nose. The palate has good freshness and a silky texture. The bright acidity impresses as lighter citrus rind and guava flavors combine with wet stone accents. I love the range here, as the mouth-watering acidity completes this great new wine. Drink 2020-2024- 91
2019 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose- The 2019 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose is another thrilling Rose bottling from this famed Oregon estate. On the nose this has seriously good range from wild mushroom tones and peat moss that are woven together with guava and pomegranate seed aromatics that all sing in unison in the glass. The palate is silky smooth, showing a pillowy texture and wonderful, gratifying length. Shades of cantaloupe and green apple combine with ripe Yakima cherry, and cran-pomegranate flavors. The earthy undertones round out this extraordinary Rose wine that will have a long life ahead of it, picking up tertiary tones as it ages. Having recently tried their 2017 Rose, I can state firsthand that their Rose ages well. Drink 2020-2027- 93
2019 Bells Up ‘Prelude’ Rose- The ‘Prelude’ Rose was made from Pinot Noir grapes sourced from the Chehalem Mountains AVA in the Willamette Valley. Bright Bing cherry with shades of pomegranate seed and melon tones all fill the nose. The freshness and wonderful acidity of the wine really shines as delicate red fruits and citrus rind, with damp earth accents all combine marvelously on the palate. The mouthfeel and texture is really good. Drink 2020-20250- 90
2019 Boedecker Rose- This Pinot Noir Rose was aged in neutral French oak before bottling. The combination of tension and mouth-watering acidity is really good as the smooth texture entices. Bright red cherry and guava flavors combine with shades of wild mushroom and peat moss. Complex and delicious now, the Boedecker Rose will evolve well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Chehalem Rose- The 2019 Chehalem Rose shows high-toned red raspberry and Yakima cherry tones alongside damp earthy accents that build in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with a good degree of acidity alongside lighter red fruit flavors, with damp earthy tones. Enjoy this in its youth. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Domaine Drouhin Rose- This very delicate Pinot Noir rose shows aromas of gooseberry and peat moss with bright red fruits to back up the earthy undertones. The palate is lithe and refreshing with tons of mouth-watering acidity. Delicate red fruits dance with shades of forest floor and wet stone on the palate, with white rose water accents. The freshness really drives this wine. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Gran Moraine Rose- The 2019 Gran Moraine Rose is another enticing Rose bottling from this great Oregon estate. On the nose this takes on layers of melon and ripe raspberry tones that are woven together with wet stone accents that mingle in the glass. The freshness, astringency and texture is awesome here, as mouth-watering acidity greets you mid-palate. This really needs a hot summer afternoon. Drink 2020-2025- 91
NV Domaine Serene ‘XII’ Rose- Always made as a multi-vintage wine, the ‘XII’ starts off with pretty rose water and watermelon aromas that meld with the lighter citrus rind and flinty undertones of the wine. Bright, yet not shy with its silky texture, the delicate red fruits dance with shades of nectarine skin and Gravenstein apple flavors. Truly needing a warm summer day, the Domaine Serene ‘XII’ Rose is a serious, stand alone, effort that will be best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Raptor Ridge ‘Vineyard Select’ Rose-The 2019 ‘Vineyard Select’ Rose is an awesome new wine by Shannon Gustafson. Lighter red fruits connect with shades of teaberry and orange zest on the nose. The palate is delicate but beautifully textured with shades of rose water that collide with minerals, red cherry candy and suggestions of guava puree. The mouth-watering acidity adds to the enjoyment as this is a delicate, nuanced and fresher style of Oregon Pinot Noir Rose. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Stoller Rose- The 2019 Stoller Rose was sourced from a host of sites throughout the Willamette Valley. This Pinot Noir Rose opens with bright red fruits with pink bubblegum and orange rind accents that all mingle in the glass. The palate has downright awesome acidity that runs through the core of cran-cherry, pomegranate seed and kumquat flavors. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Toil Oregon Rose- Sourced from Pinot Noir grapes and showing off its vibrant hue once in the glass, the 2019 Toil Rose opens with lovely wild mushroom and damp earth tones that are woven together with shades of nutmeg, cran-cherry and teaberry that all take shape in the glass. Once on the attack the wine takes on a silky mouthfeel producing a seamless effect mid-palate. The generous length really entices, as this slowly unveils pretty red fruits that dance with rose water and shades of peat moss flavors. Subtle, elegant and truly outstanding, showing good texture and brightness, the 2019 Toil Rose will only get better with time, becoming even more round and picking up earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2027- 93
2019 Trisaetum Rose- Crafted from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2019 Trisaetum Rose is a brilliant new release by the talented and fellow Arsenal supporter James Frey. The delicate red cherry, red raspberry and wet stone aromatics combine with shades of wet stone and peat moss that all take shape in the glass. The palate has great freshness and structure, with delicate red fruits that dance with minerals and the earthy undertones of the wine. Enjoy this beautiful wine over the next several years while the brightness remains. Drink 2020-2023- 90
2019 WillaKenzie Estate Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the Rose shows pretty white rose and damp earth tones that collide with undertones of blood orange rind and honeydew melon that meld in the glass. The palate has dazzling minerality and a silky texture that entices, delivering bright red fruits and citrus rind accents. This is just awesome stuff that will cellar well for another five years. Kudos to superstar winemaker Erik Kramer. Drink 2020-2025- 91
WASHINGTON
Top Values ($25.00 and under):
2019 Balboa Rose- A blend of 69% Mourvedre and the remainder Grenache, the Balboa Rose shows juicy red fruits with Mandarin orange rind and wet stone accents. Showing a soft texture, this needs a warm summer day. Drink 2020-2024- 89
2019 Barnard Griffin Rose- The 2019 Barnard Griffin Rose shows light red fruit aromatics that mingle with some faint citrus rind tones on the nose. The palate has some good freshness but is lacking depth with its faint red fruits and minerals. Drink 2020-2023- 86
2019 Board Track Racer ‘The Vincent’ Rose- At fifteen dollars this hits the mark with layers of delicate red fruits that march on with shades of kumquat zest and a bright level of acidity. This needs a warm summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Brook & Bull Rose- An intriguing blend of 47% Mourvedre, 31% Cinsault, 22% Counoise, that were all sourced from the Columbia Valley AVA, the 2019 Brook & Bull Rose opens with layers of melon and wet stone, with bright minerals and delicate red fruits on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy this in the short-term while the brightness remains. Drink 2020-2023- 90
2019 Cave B Rose- The 2019 Cave B Rose shows good freshness with a soft texture. Layers of watermelon and guava mark the palate. Enjoy this well-balanced Rose over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Cairdeas Rose- Sourced from the ‘Meek Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley, this delivers a very smooth texture with lively minerals that mingle with bright watermelon, tart cantaloupe, and cran-pomegranate flavors, with earthy undertones. This is very well-done. Drink 2020-2023- 90
2019 Charles and Charles Rose- A blend of Syrah and Grenache, the wine offers faint red fruits that dance with minerals on the palate. While not complex, this offers seriously good value at only ten dollars. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2019 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Le Rose’ Rose- Remarkably made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, you wouldn’t expect that from the tension and flavor profiles.Very delicate red fruits dance with shades of kumquat and minerals on the palate. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Columbia Winery Rose- This Grenache Rose was sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The wine shows on the lighter side with delicate rose water and ripe red raspberry flavors. Enjoy this lithe wine over the next two or three years. Drink 2020-2023- 87
2019 Coyote Canyon Rose- Brightly colored, this shows off watermelon and red cherry candy aromatics that take shape in the glass. The palate has bright acidity with seriously good tension that runs through the green apple and pretty red fruit flavors. Enjoy in its youth while the great intensity remains. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 DAMA Wines Rose- Crafted from Cabernet Franc grapes, this has wonderful brightness with a silky texture. Layers of nectarine and kiwi collide with subtle bright red fruits on the palate. The combination of minerality and texture really makes this sing as this refreshing style of Rose is deserving a hot summer night. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Drum Roll Rose- Earthy undertones collide with delicate red fruits on the nose. The palate has a soft texture with lighter melon and rose water flavors with a kiss of sweetness. Forward but well-balanced, enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2019 Eternal Wines ‘Eternal Beauty’ Rose- The ‘Eternal Beauty’ is a Grenache wine sourced from the Lawrence Vineyard. Layers of cantaloupe and rose water greet you on the palate, showing off a nice tension and soft mouthfeel. This is a solid, astringent effort that is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 89
2019 Fortuity Cellars Rose- Made from Cinsault grapes, sourced from the Yakima Valley AVA, the 2019 Fortuity Cellars Rose shows off pretty red rose petals that mingle with wild mushroom and wet stone tones on the nose. Bone dry, with good acidity, light red fruits dance with minerals on the palate. The long finish catches you by surprise. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2019 Frog Kisser Rose- The 2019 Frog Kisser Rose shows lighter melon and starfruit flavors with the faintest kiss of strawberry. The minerals guide this wine that is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2022- 88
2019 Gifford Hirlinger Rose- Made from Pinot Gris grapes, you wouldn’t expect that from the vibrant hue shining from the glass. The palate is soft and mineral-driven with lighter red fruit and melon tones with orange rind accents. Enjoy this in the short-term. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Goose Ridge Rose- Pretty and floral, the 2019 Goose Ridge Rose leads with cran-cherry, guava and sweetened melon flavors. With a good mineral backing this softy textured Rose is best enjoyed over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Grosgrain ‘Blush’ Rose- The 2019 ‘Blush’ is very delicate Rose. The earthy tones on the nose really excite with melon and wild strawberry rounding out the bouquet. The freshness is lovely on the palate with minerals and delicate red fruits with rose water tones. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 L’Ecole No. 41 Rose- This pale colored Grenache Rose was sourced from the Horse Heaven Hills AVA. Fresh and vibrant with a great combination of tension and viscosity, this reveals pretty rose water and watermelon flavors with shades of cantaloupe and sourdough bread on the palate. Seriously good now, enjoy this beautiful bottling over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Locus Rose- A blend from the ‘7 Mile Vineyard’ utilizing Grenache and Cinsault, with smaller portions Mourvedre, the 2019 Locus Rose has great acidity with very light bubblegum, red cherry and watermelon flavors, with cantaloupe accents. While not showing much weight, enjoy this lighter style Rose in the short-term while the brightness remains at its core. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2019 Mastrogiannis Rose- Fresh, and brimming with bright acidity, the 2019 Mastrogiannis Rose has delicate red fruits with a strong astringency. While coming off a bit lean, the sour red fruit and green apple flavors add to the appeal. Drink 2020-2023- 87
2019 Pahto Rose- The 2019 Pahto Rose is made from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Columbia Gorge AVA. The palate shows great minerality with earthy undertones that mingle with bright red fruits and shades of lemon zest that all take shape in the glass. Fantastic right now, showing a soft texture and good astringency, this really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2025- 90
2019 Pearl and Stone ‘Unemployment Beach’ Rose- Made from 100% Cabernet Franc vines, the ‘Unemployment Beach’ shows pretty peach pit and rose water tones that mingle with bring Yakima cherry on this evocative nose. The palate is soft, round and generous, with great length, as the wine delivers bright watermelon, strawberry and melon flavors alongside good brightness. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Purple Star Rose- Purple Star is gaining quite a reputation for their value-driven, lip-smacking Rose. This edition has very pretty rose petals that march together with red cherry preserves and shades of cantaloupe on this expressive nose. The freshness and soft texture both entice as this beautiful, hard to resist Rose wine is best consumed on a hot summer night. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Renegade Wine Company Rose- This Columbia Valley bottling shows juicy acidity with pink bubblegum and melon tones on the palate. Enjoy it while the freshness remains. Drink 2020-2023- 87
2019 Revelry Rose- Pale colored once in the glass, the 2019 Revelry Rose shows delicate red fruits that are woven together with shades of nectarine and honeydew melon on the nose. The palate has a great degree of freshness with lighter red cherry and watermelon tones that mingle with the minerals. Drink 2020-2024- 89
2019 Seven Hills Rose- One of the consistently great Washington Rose wines for the price, this edition has very delicate red fruit aromatics that play with melon and wet stone tones on the nose. The palate has good freshness with a sulky mouthfeel. Layers of delicate red fruits dance with melon, orange rind and wet stone tones on the palate. This is seriously good stuff for the price. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Sin Banderas Rose- The 2019 Sin Banderas Rose is an awesome value comprised of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault. With a kiss of sweetness, this reveals a soft texture alongside minerals and bright red fruits. This is awesome wine for a hot summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Sleight of Hand ‘The Magician’s Assistant’ Rose- Sourced from Cabernet Franc vines from the Blackrock Vineyard, the 2019 ‘The Magician’s Assistant’ Rose is an awesome new bottling from the talented winemaking team at Sleight of Hand. Aromatics of pink grapefruit blossom and watermelon entice, as the wine takes on a brilliant texture once on the attack. Layers of pretty sweetened red fruits and melon mingle with the bright sense of acidity on the palate. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 SMAK Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose- Made from Syrah grapes, this has a kiss of sweetness with melon and minerals, as well as delicate red cherry and rose water flavors. Fresh, vibrant and elegant, the long finish lingers. Drink 2020-2024- 91
2019 SMAK Wines ‘Spring’ Rose- Made from Sangiovese, the wine has damp earth tones that linger with red rose petals on the nose. The palate is bright and mineral driven with delicate red fruits and wet stone tones that mingle with shades of unripe cantaloupe. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 SMAK Wines ‘Summer’ Rose- The ‘Summer’ Rose is made from Pinot Gris and shows layers of white rose and pear tones that mingle with the earthy undertones of the wine. The palate has really good verve, with delicate melon and orange zest flavors with minerals and lighter damp earth tones. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Spring Run Rose- The 2019 Spring Run shows sweet strawberry and shades of guava that take shape on the nose. The freshness of thew wine shows marvelously with lighter red fruits that dance with shades of citrus rind.The light kiss of sweetness and light salinity and savory edge is lovely. This is a super refreshing Rose wine that needs a warm summer day. Drink 2020-2023- 90
2019 Tamarack Rose- Intriguingly utilizing Cinsault in the blending, the 2019 Tamarack Rose shows nice earthy and nutty tones on the nose with bright strawberry and nectarine that all take shape in the glass. The palate has a kiss of sweetness with lighter citrus rind and red fruit tones, with rose water accents that all mingle together nicely. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 TruthTeller ‘Quip’ Rose- Sourced from the Yakima Valley, the ‘Quip’ Rose delivers delicate rose water and melon tones with shades of red raspberry and red cherry. This is lithe and well-structured, as this delicate style Rose will be best enjoyed over the next several years while the brightness remains. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 Underground Wine Project ‘And Why am I Mr. Pink?’ Rose- This value bottling has received a strong following over the years, a project between Trey Busch and Mark Ryan McNeily. Lithe and light on its feet, this offers delicate red fruit and melon tones with wet rock accents. Enjoy this lighter style Rose over the next several years. Drink 2020-2023- 89
2019 Upsidedown Wine Rose- One of the only Washington Rose wines made from Nebbiolo grapes, the 2019 Upsidedown Wine Rose shows red rose petal and guava tones on the nose with a touch of scorched earth that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with plenty of stuffing. Bright red fruits dance with shades of Gravenstein apple, wet stone and smoky accents collide with the mouth-watering acidity. This is seriously good stuff for the price. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Warr-King ‘Lily Frances’ Rose- Unusually made from Petit Verdot grapes, this shows good brightness, with sweetened red cherry and melon tones. Coming off a touch sweet, this will appeal to those who love wines on the sweeter side. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2019 Warr-King ‘Marie Noelle’ Rose- Crafted from Columbia Valley Syrah, the ‘Marie Noelle’ has considerably less sweetness than the ‘Lily Frances’ bottling but the same degree of freshness. Red cherry candy and shades of guava come together with a kiss of sweetness and minerals on the palate. Drink 2020-2023- 88
Top Wines:
2019 Amavi Rose- The 2019 Amavi Rose is comprised of 100% Cabernet Franc which was sourced from the Summit View and Waliser Vineyards in the Walla Walla Valley. Entirely aged in stainless steel before bottling, this opens with lovely wild mushroom tones that combine with rose water and suggestions of cantaloupe that all come together in the glass. The palate is vibrant, with a lovely tension that runs through the delicate red fruits with citrus rind and damp earthy undertones. Despite being a Bordeaux varietal Rose, this comes off as very Bandol. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Ambassador Wines of Washington Rose- Ambassador has been producing a really good Rose for several years now, and this new 2019 bottling is as good as any they’ve made. Silky smooth through the attack, this shows a touch of sweetness alongside bright melon and citrus rind tones that meld with the core of strawberry and watermelon flavors. Seriously good right now, this has the potential to age for several years, picking up earthy tones as it evolves. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Avennia ‘L’Egerie’ Rose- Sourced from the Columbia Valley, this beautiful, salmon hued Rose opens with shades of wild mushroom and damp earth that mingle with delicate red cherry and cranberry aromas that meld in the glass. The palate is refined and marvelously texture, yielding a soft mouthfeel and a seamless quality. Copious minerals dance with delicate red fruits and rose water flavors on the palate. The length of the wine make this truly sing. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2019 Baer Rose- Intriguingly made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2019 Baer Rose has the most delicate pink hue, with layers of melons and green apple tones with hints of red rose petals that combine in the glass. The bright acidity of the wine is simply marvelous as copious minerals dance with lighter red fruits, orange zest and wet stone flavors. This is a seriously good Rose made by superstar winemaker Erica Orr. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2019 Betz ‘Rose Cache’ Rose- The ‘Rose Cache’ is lightly colored, opening with intriguing nutty and damp earth tones that mingle with rose water and bright red raspberry on this expressive nose. The palate has great verve and freshness with a silky texture. The length and mouth-watering acidity of the wine its truly outstanding as delicate red fruits dance with wet stone and earthy undertones. Enjoy this beautiful new bottling over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 92
2019 Bledsoe Family Wines ‘Healy’ Rose- The 2019 Bledsoe Family Wines ‘Healy’ Rose is a bright and intense effort that is jam-packed with both minerality and ripe red fruit flavors. Literally full-bodied, the layers of ripe raspberry, strawberry and guava all come together with sweetened melon and wet stone undertones. Fantastic to savor right now, this has the stuffing to cellar over the next seven years, picking up earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2027- 91
2017 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- The ‘Edith’ Rose was sourced from four rows of Grenache which is only grown for Rose. The wine was whole cluster pressed prior to bottling and the wine is kept for another year due to the wine being unfiltered. The wine was aged in both concrete eggs and stainless steel prior to bottling. The nose is very perfumed and pretty red rose, wild strawberry with shades of wild mushroom and orange rind that all mingle nicely in the glass. The texture here is silky smooth as the wine seamlessly glides across the mid-palate. Bright guava and strawberry flavors mingle with wonderful peat moss, wet stone and melon tones all fill the palate. This is Grenache Rose at its finest. Drink 2019-2025- 93
2019 Cote Bonneville Rose- Each year Kerry Shiels crafts a seriously good Rose made from Cabernet Franc vines in the famed DuBrul Vineyard. This 2019 edition has a soft and generous mouthfeel with delightful layers of peat moss, bright citrus zest, red raspberry and a wonderfully silky texture. The length and weight of the wine is seriously gratifying. A delight to savor in its youth, this is a Rose that will age for five to seven years, picking up lovely earthy tones as it ages. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2019 Dunham Cellars Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2019 Dunham Rose opens with pretty red rose water aromatics that are woven together with pink grapefruit blossom and shades of unripe honeydew melon that all take their shape in the glass. The texture is silky and inviting as lighter red fruits dance with minerals, citrus rind and wet stone accents on the palate. This really needs a ht summer night. Drink 2020-2024- 91
2019 DeLille Cellars Rose- The 2019 DeLille Rose is a beautiful blend of Grenache (47%) and Mourvedre (45%) with the remainder Cinsault. The delicate, seamless texture really entices once on the mouth as this effortlessly glides across the mid-palate. Bright guava and Mandarin orange zest flavors collide with minerals, watermelon and suggestions of damp earth that all sing in the glass. This is a truly outstanding, silky Rose that is a delight to savor right now but has a long life to go, picking up earthy tones as it sits in the cellar. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2019 EFESTE ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose- The 2019 ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose is another gorgeous effort from this famed Woodinville house. The palate is very delicately textured with a very Provence feel as lighter red fruits dance with minerals and shades of kumquat. While a bit lean, this is classy stuff that shows better at a cooler temperature where the racy acidity and sour notes really shine together. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose- A blend of Cinsault (44%), Grenache (28%) and Syrah (28%), the 2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose is an absolutely awesome new wine by the superstar winemaking team of Greg Harrington, MS, and Brandon Moss. The aromatic range is seriously good from pink grapefruit blossom to cantaloupe and shades of guava and ripe strawberry all come together in the glass. The palate is both lithe and refreshing, showing great acidity and a silky texture, with marvelous earthy undertones that connect with the core of bright red fruits. Truly outstanding to savor in its youth, the 2019 Gramercy Cellars ‘Olsen Vineyard’ Rose will cellar marvelously for the next seven plus years, picking up earthy tones as it ages. This is truly one of the best Rose wines made in the Pacific Northwest. Drink 2020-2027- 93
2019 J. Bookwalter ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ Rose- An intriguing blend of Bordeaux varietals, the 2019 ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ shows pretty honeydew melon with red rose petals and watermelon tones on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with a soft texture that delightfully coats the mid-palate. The brightness and sense of minerality here is seriously good. Wait for the long, red fruit and mineral-driven finish that is truly gratifying. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 K Vintners ‘Phil Lane Vineyard’ Rose- Sourced from the Phil Lane Vineyard in the Walla Walla Valley, this Syrah Rose has damp earth tones that combine with smoky minerals and shades of red currants that all build in the glass. The soft texture really entices as layers of guava and red cherry candy mingle with citrus rind and melon tones on the palate. Complex and downright delicious, with a long finish, this gorgeous new release will cellar well for the next seven years, picking up nutty and earthy tones as it cellars. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2019 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose- The 2019 Kerloo Cellars ‘Lonesome Springs Ranch’ Rose is a blend of equal parts Mouvedre and Grenache. A pretty pale pink ones in the glass, the Rose shows off shades of rose water and blood orange that collide with lighter melon tones aromatically. The palate has marvelous freshness with delicate red fruits that dance with the wonderful sense of minerality. This is Washington meeting Bandol. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Lauren Ashton Rose- Dr. Kit Sing has developed a sterling reputation for crafting great Rose and this is amongst his finest effort. Brightly hued, the Rose has watermelon tones that are woven together with rose water and suggestions of Gravenstein apple that all come together in the glass. The palate has vibrant minerality with light to medium bodied melon, green apple and strawberry flavors. Bright and youthful, enjoy this beautiful wine over the next several years. Drink 2020-2024- 91
2019 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- Made from Pinot Gris grapes, the 2019 ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose follows a very strong line of releases from this famed Washington winery. The bouquet is extraordinary, showing kumquat zest and red cherry candy tones that collide with shades of wild mushroom, cran-pomegranate and pink grapefruit blossom that all take shape in the glass. The combination of freshness, texture and tension is absolutely outstanding, as the silky mouthfeel adds to the enjoyment. Bright pear and cran-orange flavors mingle with guava and copious minerals on the palate. The long finish lingers. This is best enjoyed in its youth, while the wonderful core of brightness remains intact. Drink 2020-2024- 92
2018 Maryhill ‘Proprietor’s Reserve’ Rose- A blend of Grenache (58%), Mourvedre (21%) and Cinsault (21%), the ‘Proprietor’s Reserve’ begins with cherry candy and guava aromas that meld with light damp earth tones on the nose. The soft texture really entices here as the wine shows just a touch of sweetness with its light red fruit profile. The finish is generous and keeps going. Showing textural elegance and gobs of minerality, this is a special effort by winemaker Richard Bachelor that is exceedingly hard to put down one opened. Drink 2019-2025- 90
2019 Pursued By Bear ‘Blushing Bear’ Rose- The ‘Blushing Bear’ is an awesome wine made by the talented Dan Wampfler of Abeja fame. On the nose this shows off pretty damp earth tones that meld with shades of wild strawberry and Bing cherry that all take shape in the glass. The palate shows a soft texture and beautiful sense of astringency. Light red fruits dance with minerals and shades of Mandarin orange rind with peat moss tones on the palate. Showing a silky texture, this beautiful Rose will provide drinking enjoyment for another five to seven years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Saviah Rose- Made from Barbera and Sangiovese grapes from the Dugger Creek Vineyard, the 2019 Saviah Rose is another gorgeous new bottling by Richard Funk. While the nose shows faint red fruits, the palate is juicy and ripe with mouth-watering acidity and gobs of minerals that greet you with the melon and red fruit tones. Delightful to savor in its youth, this awesome new Rose will cellar well for another five years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- The Walls have gained a really strong reputation for their 'Cruel Summer’ Rose and this 2019 edition is amongst the best yet. The nose shows considerably better range out of a Riedel Burgundy glass, with pretty rose water tones mingling with minerals and melon accents on this delicate nose. The palate picks up a silky texture, with watermelon, white peach, Gravenstein apple and honeydew melon tones that all come together nicely in the glass. While not particularly rich, the elegance of the wine really shines through to the long finish with lighter red fruit, white rose water and mineral tones. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Time & Direction Rose- Fittingly placing a Nintendo controller on his label, the talented Steve Wells has crafted another beautiful, pale, Rose wine with his 2019 release. The nose is wonderfully fragrant with layers of ripe peach and white rose water, combining with layers of wet stone and earthy undertones that all march in place in the glass. The palate is bone dry with a silky texture that entices. Delicate red raspberry and Yakima cherry flavors mingle with the melon and wet stone tones. Really good right now, I can see this cellaring well for the next five plus years, picking up more earthy tones and rounding out even more as it ages. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose- The ‘Pink Pape’ is a gorgeous new wine by the talented winemaking team at Tranche. Fresh and beatufuly textured, the wine has delicate red fruit and rose water flavors that collide with minerals, honeydew melon and suggestions of wild mushroom on this complex palate. Delightful to enjoy right now, the 2019 ‘Pink Pape’ will cellar well over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2019 Walla Walla Vintners Rose- The 2019 Walla Walla Vintners Rose has a very soft texture with very delicate red cherry, red raspberry and rose water flavors. The smoothness of the wine really impresses, as the weight and structure of the wine really sing. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2019 W.T. Vintners ‘Rainmaker’ Rose- Adeptly named, hailing from the ‘Rainmaker Vineyard’ in the Columbia Gorge AVA, the 2019 W.T. Vintners Rose opens with pretty pink grapefruit blossoms that are woven together with rose water and shades of red raspberry that all come together in the glass. The palate has remarkable freshness and elegance with copious minerals that mingle together with a soft texture and bright guava and red cherry candy flavors. The combination of freshness and mouthfeel is seriously good. Drink 2020-2025- 92
2018 XOBC ‘Evangeline’ Rose- Sourced from the Rocks District, the Rose is a blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. Bright melon tones collide with lighter wet stone and Yakima cherry tones on the nose. The silky texture and brightness of the wine really creates an inviting approach on the palate. The length and rich melon flavors show marvelously in this highly gratifying new Rose. Drink 2020-2024- 91