2020 was a more than challenging year for most of us. Not only did we experience the worst pandemic in centuries, 2020 brought us plenty of challenges throughout the Pacific Northwest on the winemaking side, with smoke issues wrecking havoc on harvests in both Washington and Oregon. Having tasted through more than 100 Rose wines, I sadly was not able to rate many due to smoke influence in the wines.
The idea behind this report is to highlight the best of the best, and share some of the outstanding values that the Pacific Northwest has to offer. I would argue that the best thing that a wine critic can do is point the consumer in the right direction in terms of what the reviewer considers to be not only the creme de la creme but wines that overdeliver for the price.
It is little surprise that the quality of Rose wines continues to impress despite what mother nature throws at us. I have loved seeing this trend, as I long have admired the great wines of Provence, including Domaine Ott, Domaine Tempier and others.
Vigneron Christophe Baron has long admired the top wines of Provence and is one of the Northwest’s innovators in terms of having specific grapes and blocks for his Rose wine, which continues to be for my palate the finest expression of Pacific Northwest Rose that you will find.
Kerry Shiels is another innovative winemaker who for many years has showcased her famed vineyard’s Cabernet Franc in making a pale and delicate Rose with great nuance. Similarly Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm has made sensation Pinot Noir Rose for years with very intentional maceration and barrel treatment. Walter Scott has made their first Rose wine and it is a downright awesome, highly nuanced, knockout of an inaugural effort. For my report I have categorized both good value Rose wines and top scoring Rose wines. I don’t think you will find a more comprehensive Pacific Northwest Rose report available to the consumer.
2020 was not kind to Oregon but there were many beautiful bottlings made that did not see smoke influence. Look to the gorgeous 2020 Toil Rose (OB, 93) which a brightly colored, highly nuanced and finesse-driven Rose made by winemaker Chris Figgins of Leonetti Cellar fame. Brian Marcy’s 2020 Big Table Farm Rose (OB, 92) is one of the Rose wines of the vintage, beautifully textured and showing incredible length and verve. Other beautiful Rose wines were crafted by Brick House, Walter Scott, Audeant, Argyle, Stoller, and many others.
Washington also offers some excellent value Rose, including the new 2020 ‘Le Rose’ by Chateau St. Michelle (OB, 90), has really good finesse and delicate red fruits. Look to the 2020 Charles and Charles Rose (OB, 88) which impresses at only ten bucks. Also don’t miss the impressive 2020 Purple Star Rose (OB, 90) which is one of the state’s great value Rose wines. I adore the new 2019 XOBC Rose (OB, 92) which is fresh and beautifully textured with incredible stony character. Just as good is the 2020 Rose by Kerry Shiels of Cote Bonneville, with a silky mouthfeel and very pretty red fruits.
One again famed vigneron Christophe Baron of Cayuse Vineyards has created a downright epic new Rose which is amongst the best I have ever sampled from him. The sinfully good 2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose (OB, 94) is silky, rich and layered with gobs of flavor density and complexity. This is one for any serious lover of North American Rose. I have been particularly impressed what winemakers Greg Harrington and Brandon Moss have crafted over the past five or so years. Their joint effort, the 2020 Gramercy Cellars Rose (OB, 93) shows insanely good range and lovely nuance. Do not miss out on the 2020 DeLille Cellars Rose (OB, 93) which is rich and viscous with a great veil of tension by director of winemaking Jason Gorski. Also do not miss out on new Rose wines by, Avennia, EFESTE, Cote Bonneville, and many more. Cheers to you all from and I hope you enjoy a wonderful, Rose-filled summer.
OREGON
Top Values ($25.00 and under)
2020 A to Z Rose- This is a light style of Rose with rose water, orange rind and cinnamon infused red fruits that is meant to be consumed right now. The wine seems to show considerably better at a cooler temperature. Drink 2021-2023- 87
2020 Cloudine Rose- This offers delicate red fruits that collide with minerals and shades of peat moss on the palate. Lithe and refreshing, enjoy now. Drink 2021-2023- 87
2020 Elizabeth Chambers Rose- This is an inviting, leaner style of Rose with sour apple, melon and red cherry tones alongside brisk acidity. Enjoy this good effort in the short-term. Drink 2021-2024- 89
2020 King Estate Rose- The 2020 Rose by King Estate shows soft guava, strawberry, bubblegum and melon tones on the palate with plenty of acidity. The rich sense of texture adds to the enjoyment. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2020 Lange Rose- Right way the 2020 Lange Rose’s vibrant color catches you off-guard with a seamless texture and wonderful sense of mouthfeel. Soft red fruits collide with minerals, green apple, peat moss and stony undertones on the palate. This is highly complex, gratifying Rose that is best enjoyed at a slightly warmer temperature. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2020 Underwood Rose- Finesse-driven, the 2020 Underwood Rose offers very delicate guava, red cherry, kumquat and teaberry flavors alongside minerals and stony undertones. Enjoy now at a cooler temperature while the sense of freshness remains intact. Drink 2021-2023- 88
Top Wines:
2020 Alexana Rose- Pale in color, the 2020 Alexana Rose shows green apple and melon with wild mushroom on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured and shows sour green apple tones that mingle with minerals and green papaya on the palate. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2019 Audeant Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this electric Rose shows wild strawberry and melon tones aromatically alongside shades of forest floor. The palate shows plenty of rich texture and vibrant acidity, as well as wonderful length. Pretty red fruits melange with red rose water and shades of orange rind on the palate. Great to savor now, this has some cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2020 Bells Up Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, this brightly colored Rose shows great acidity and texture with bright guava and red cherry flavors, with orange rind and peat moss undertones. The poise and astringency here is really nice. This seriously good stuff finishes long and might just be the best edition of this wine that I have tasted. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Big Table Farm ‘Laughing Pig’ Rose- Big Table Farm have earned a reputation for consistently producing some of the best Rose that you’ll find in the Pacific Northwest over the past several years. This edition is a direct-press wine that had a long ferment and then saw all neutral oak barrel aging prior to bottling. Silky and smooth on the mid-palate, the wine shows off gorgeous red fruits that dance with orange rind, cinnamon and cloves. This finishes exceedingly long. Drink 2021-2027- 92
2020 Brick House Rose- Made from Gamay grapes, the 2020 Brick House Rose shows pretty guava and orange rind tones that mingle with good freshness and a light dusting of salinity. Gorgeous now, this will continue to impress over the next five plus years. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2020 Chehalem Rose- Made from Pinot Noir grapes, the 2020 Chehalem Rose shows good freshness with green apple, kiwi and strawberry tones on the palate. With good astringency and tension this really needs a hot summer day. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2020 Hazelfern ‘Summer Rose’ Rose- The ‘Summer’ Rose by Hazelfern saw six months of stainless steel aging before bottling and features Dijon clone 115 and 777 Pinot Noir. This is a lively and fresh style with gobs of verve and a plush texture. Very delicate guava and cranberry tones combine with shades of wild mushroom and tilled soils on the palate. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Stoller Rose- The 2020 Stoller Rose is an awesome new release. Right away the wine reveals watermelon and Pink Lady apple tones alongside orange blossom on this beautiful nose. The palate is fresh, vibrant and wonderfully textured. Very pretty red fruits dance with minerals, damp earth and orange rind tones. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Toil Oregon Rose- Year after year, Toil Oregon continue to produce a really serious Rose, with an electric color and fabulous aromatic and flavor range. This 2020 edition shows lovely earthy tones alongside Yakima cherry, white peach and shades of guava puree that all dazzle in the glass. The palate is fresh and vibrant but also beautifully textured. Ripe red fruits collide with smoke, kumquat zest, peat moss and wild mushroom on the palate. The flavor range is nothing short of outstanding. The gratifying length adds to the enjoyment, as this beautiful wine will cellar well over the next five to seven years. Drink 2021-2027- 93
2020 Walter Scott Rose- Ken always mentioned that he swore he would never made Rose. The wine utilizes Aryln Vineyard Gamay as well as Freedom Hill and Justice Vineyard Pinot Noir that was whole cluster pressed. This shows pretty guava and cranberry flavors with bright acidity and a smooth texture. This is very nuanced stuff with orange rind, wild mushroom and peat moss accents. Drink 2021-2025- 92
WASHINGTON
Top Values ($25.00 and under):
2020 14 Hands Rose- Lean but showing good freshness, this outstanding value wine reveals delicate red fruits that mingle with kiwi and gooseberry tones on the palate. This is great for the price. Drink 2021-2023- 88
2020 Mark Ryan ‘Lu & Oly Flowerhead’ Rose- Light and dazzling with its tension, this delivers delicate red cherry and strawberry tones with good acidity and light orange rind undertones. Drink 2021-2023- 88
2020 Cairdeas Rose- Fresh and lively, with good verve, this new Rose delivers straightforward ripe red fruits with stony minerals and good earthy undertones. Very lively, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2021-2023- 89
2020 Charles and Charles Rose- A blend that combines Syrah and Grenache, the 2020 Charles and Charles Rose delivers light red currant, watermelon and damp earthy tones on the palate. Fresh, enjoy this good value over the next several years. Drink 2021-2023- 88
2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle ‘Le Rose’ Rose- Chateau Ste. Michelle has crafted this limited production Rose for 2020 that blends 79% Cabernet Sauvignon with 21% Syrah. The good sense of mouthfeel is appealing as the Rose exhibits melon and ripe Yakima cherry tones with plenty of minerals. Enjoy now. Drink 2021-2023- 90
2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Rose- Fresh and vibrant, the 2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Rose has light red raspberry and Bing cherry tones alongside minerals and shades of sweetened lemon rind on the palate. Drink 2021-2023- 89
2020 Columbia Crest ‘H3’ Rose- This shows good finesse with ripe cherry and wild mushroom tones on the palate, showing off its earthy edge. Mineral-driven, enjoy this in the short-term while the freshness remains. Drink 2021-2023- 88
2020 Columbia Winery Rose- This is mainly Syrah (95%), as the wine delivers forward red fruits and melon tones alongside a good air of freshness. Enjoy over the next several years. Drink 2021-2023- 87
2019 DAMA Wines Rose- Entirely made from Cabernet Franc grapes, the 2020 DAMA Rose shows bright green apple and kiwi with nectarine flavors, alongside a great veil of minerality. Brighter red fruits and orange rind undertones add to the complexity here, as this delicate and intricate style of Rose would be a marvelous combination with fresh Kusshi oysters. Drink 2021-2024- 90
2020 Fortuity Cellars Rose- The 2020 Fortuity Cellars Rose is crafted from Cinsault grapes sourced from the Yakima Valley. The nose is very pretty with red florals that mingle with honeydew melon and Yakima cherry tones that all march in unison. The palate is fresh and nicely structured with delicate red fruits that dance with minerals, Mandarin orange water and damp earthy undertones. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2020 Goose Ridge Rose- Lithe and showing off a vibrant color, the 2020 Goose Ridge Rose reveals wet stone and orange rind accents alongside the core of slightly sweet red fruits and watermelon. Drink 2020-2023- 88
2020 Milbrandt ‘Lulu’ Rose- This shows plenty of bright red fruits and bubblegum favors with brisk acidity and citrus rind accents. The freshness suggests this should be enjoyed soon. Drink 2021-2024- 89
2020 Purple Star Rose- Consistently one of the great value Rose wines made in the state, this is another awesome rendition in the 2020 vintage by Kyle Johnson. Ripe watermelon with cantaloupe, red cherry candy and bubblegum tones all mark the palate. Enjoy this delicious new Rose over the next five years. Drink 2021-2026- 90
2020 Seven Hills Rose- This outstanding value Rose shows good elegance and a soft texture. Very delicate red fruits collide with minerals, wet stone and watermelon flavors. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2020 Sin Banderas Rose- This light pink shaded Rose shows good astringency and a soft texture. Very delicate red fruits mingle with red rose water and shades of Japanese pear on the palate. Drink 2021-2024- 89
2020 Smak Wines ‘Spring’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Spring Rose’ is a bright and inviting new 100% Sangiovese Rose release by Fiona Mak. The nose is nicely fragrant with honeysuckle and orange blossom tones that mingle with peach and wet stone undertones. The palate is restrained in terms of fruit flats but shows wonderful nuance especially once warmed up a bit. Wet gravel, green apple, unripe melon and very delicate red fruits greet you, with great acidity. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Smak Wines ‘Summer’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Summer’ Rose is lighter than color than the other two bottlings, as this is 100% Pinot Gris sourced from the ‘Gamache Vineyard.’ This too shows considerable more complexity once warmed up a bit. The combination of weight and finesse is really nice as layers of honeydew melon, bright starfruit and wet stone come together with Japanese pear accents. Drink this delightful release over the next several years. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Smak Wines ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Fall/Winter’ Rose is 100% Syrah sourced from the ‘Gamache Vineyard’ in the Columbia Valley. This was aged in 100% neutral oak and was given considerable lees stirring prior to bottling. This Syrah Rose shows off a beautiful texture with layers of pretty red raspberry, strawberry and guava, with cantaloupe and damp stone undertones. In terms of texture and brightness, this shows closer to a bigger style of Bandol than the bunch. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2020 SoDo Cellars ‘Love Birds’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Love Birds’ Rose is a serious value in Washington Rose. Pretty nectarine and Yakima cherry tones alongside guava and wet stone undertones all mark the nose. The palate shows just a hint of residual sugar alongside amazing freshness and bright red fruits with melon tones. This is amazing juice for the price. Drink 2021-2024- 90
2020 Spring Run Rose- The 2020 Spring Run shows just a kiss of sweetness with lovely melon and red currant tones, with pomegranate seed and earthy accents. The feeling of minerality is really nice here, as this is best consumed over the next few years. Drink 2021-2024- 90
2020 TruthTeller ‘Quip’ Rose- The Mourvedre based 2020 ‘Quip’ Rose is a killer value that shines with its bright acidity, delivering gobs of juicy red fruits that combine with orange rind, white rose water and smoky undertones. Add a light dusting of salinity and you have a really good wine for the price. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2020 Underground Wine Project ‘And Why am I Mr. Pink?’ Rose- Produced as a joint project between Trey Busch and Mark Ryan McNeily, this pale colored rose reveals light guava and red cherry tones alongside a good veil of tension. While not particularly dense, this is very refreshing stuff. Drink 2021-2023- 89
Top Wines:
2020 Amavi Cellars Rose- The 2020 Amavi Cellars Rose is an elegant and beautifully textured wine made by the talented Jean-Francois Pellet. Rose water and orange blossom aromas fill the nose with shades of nectarine as this comes off very high-toned. The palate is soft and delicate with pretty red fruits that mingle with mineral, peach and Japanese pear flavors with faint damp earthy accents. Gorgeous in its youth, this has some aging potential, becoming more earthy as it ages. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2020 Avennia ‘L’Egerie’ Rose- This gorgeous new bottling shows very pretty guava, white peach and cranberry flavors alongside a beautiful texture and veil of tension. Medium to full-bodied, with great acidity and citrus/earthy undertones, this outstanding effort has at least another five years to go in the cellar. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2020 Baer Rose- Made entirely from ‘Stillwater Creek Vineyard’ Cabernet Franc grapes, the wine shows off a slightly darker hue than the 2019 edition. The freshness imparted is just as good with great acidity and a soft texture. Layers of green apple and cantaloupe mingle with shades of Yakima cherry on the palate. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2018 Cayuse Vineyards ‘Edith’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Edith’ Rose is a highly refreshing and gratifying new wine that is amongst the best of its kind in North America. Sourced from the ‘Armada Vineyard’, once on the nose this takes on pretty red rose petals that mingle with cantaloupe and wet stone and smoky tones that all meld in the glass. The palate is wonderfully fresh and vibrant with great acidity and a seamless texture. Layers of Gravenstein apple, watermelon, nectarine and kumquat zest collide with minerals and smoky undertones on this complex palate. As the wine warms up, it becomes even more nuanced and complex, still showing wonderful mouth-watering acidity. Scintillating in its youth, this stunning new Rose will enjoy another eight plus years of life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2028- 94
2020 Cote Bonneville Rose- Made from Cabernet Franc grapes, this shows off guava and pink grapefruit blossom alongside shades of gooseberry and earthy underrtones on the nose. The palate is smooth and exceedingly polished with bright acidity and a silky mouthfeel. Lush red fruits collide with Japanese pear and white peach flavors alongside a bright sense of minerality. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2020 Devison Rose- Delicate and very pretty, the 2020 Devison Rose shows wet stone and melon aromatics with very light red fruits that parade on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with lighter cantaloupe and kiwi flavors that collide with red cherry and red raspberry. Lithe, and nicely textured, this beautiful wine is drinking marvelously right now. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Dunham Cellars Rose- Dunham has been making this Cabernet Franc Rose since 2015. This is their first year sourcing from the Gamache Vineyard. Aged in stainless steel, this shows pretty red rose petals and white peach tones aromatically alongside shades of wet stone. The bright acidity is impressive, as is the sense of mouthfeel. Ripe guava and melon tones mingle with wet stone and tons of lip-smacking acidity. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2020 DeLille Cellars Rose- The 2020 Rose by DeLille Cellars has only slightly changed their blend, having 52% Mourvedre, and 43% Grenache with a splash of Cinsault. The nose is wonderfully earthy with melon, citrus blossom and watermelon tones that round out the nose. The mouthfeel and texture of the wine is seriously good. This is refreshing style of Rose with bright red fruits that shows a great sense of weight and length. Gratifying to drink now, this has some cellaring potential. Drink 2021-2028- 93
2020 EFESTE ‘Oldfield Estate’ Rose- This vintage winemaker Mark Fiore has chosen not to add any Syrah, as this entirely Mourvedre and Grenache based. The nose shows very pretty high tones with red rose petals, orange peel, guava and shades of strawberry and damp earthy tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is beautifully textured with a bright sense of tension. Layers of pretty red fruits march on with melon and serious length. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2020 Gramercy Cellars Rose- Rich, beautifully textured and every bit outstanding, the 2020 Gramercy Cellars Rose is a silky blend of 50% Cinsault, 26% Grenache and 24% Syrah all sourced from the ‘Olsen Vineyard’ in the Yakima Valley. Pretty red raspberry and Bing cherry tones mingle with guava, orange zest and damp earthy tones on the nose. The palate is soft, round and very inviting. Silky and elegant, the palate delivers red rose water, stony minerals and a wealth of red fruits, with suggestions of wild mushroom. The long finish adds to the enjoyment. Sensational now, this has some good aging potential. Drink 2021-2026- 93
2020 J. Bookwalter ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Scarlet Hexflame’ delivers plenty of sexy red fruits with racy acidity on the palate. While on the leaner side, the outstanding sense of minerality really makes this need a hot summer day. Combine with fresh Kushii oysters. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2020 J. Bookwalter ‘Winter Rose’ Rose- Dark and brooding for a Rose once in the glass, the 2020 ‘Winter Rose’ has wonderful weight and texture that impresses. Sensational now with its pretty red fruits and earthy tones, this has some cellaring potential based on the combination of depth and finesse. Drink 2021-2027- 91
2020 Long Shadows ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Julia’s Dazzle’ Rose is another impressive bottling by famed winemaker Gilles Nicault. 100% Pinot Gris sourced from the the Yakima Valley, and was whole cluster pressed. Right away this shows peach and orange rind tones alongside wet stone, strawberry and shades of wild mushroom on the nose. The palate is beautifully textured with a great sense of weight and finesse. Kiwi and Mandarin orange rind flavors collide with minerals, wet stone and guava tones. Fresh and lithe, this has some nice medium-term cellaring potential. This is very nuanced stuff. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Kerloo Cellars ’Lonesome Springs. Vineyard’ Rose- The 2018 ‘Lonesome Springs Vineyard’ Rose is 60% Mourvedre with the remainder Grenache all sourced from the Lonesome Springs Vineyard. This was entirely aged in concrete and was left on the lees before a clean racking prior to bottling. This vintage contains slightly more Mourvedre and shows a nice aromatic range from pretty red fruits to kiwi and melon tones that all take shape in the glass. The palate is silky smooth with a marvelous sense of texture. This is really highly nuanced Rose with the wet stone and orange rind character alongside the lighter melon and strawberry tones. This has outstanding length, providing the resounding crescendo. Drink 2021-2026- 92
2020 Pursued By Bear ‘Blushing Bear’ Rose- The 2020 ‘Blushing Bear’ is a beautiful new Rose made by Dan Wampfler. Once on the nose this takes on Bing cherry, damp earth and blood orange zest that all take shape in the glass. The palate is very stony and earthy, with a polished texture. Very delicate red currant and red raspberry flavors mingle with minerals, wet stone, and lemon zest. This is very fresh and vibrant Rose that is best enjoyed over the next few years. Drink 2020-2024- 90
2020 Saviah Rose- Made from Barbera and Sangiovese grapes from the Dugger Creek Vineyard, the 2020 Saviah Rose saw all stainless steel aging. The soft texture and sense of finesse is outstanding as cantaloupe, kumquat zest and watermelon flavors collide with ripe Yakima cherry, minerals and earthy accents. This is a beautiful effort that Drink 2020-2025- 91
2020 The Walls ‘Cruel Summer’ Rose- This pale colored Rose wine shows some really good aromatic range from green apple and melon tones to wet stone and high-toned strawberry, adding some good complexity. The palate is soft and round with a generous texture. The flavors almost mimic the aromas but in a good way, with even more earthy undertones of damp earth. Great to consume now, this beautiful wine shows better at a warmer temperature, reveling in considerably more complexity. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Time & Direction Rose-Just the faintest hue of pink, the 2020 Time & Direction Rose is a beautiful and delicate new release wine. Once on the palate, the freshness and texture of the wine really impress with a light dusting of salinity. Wet stone, peat moss and melon tones combine with shades of Yakima cherry and kiwi on the palate. Just wait for the exceedingly good finish. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose- Minerals, green apple and very fresh red fruits all brilliantly combine on the palate. Soft, with a smooth mouthfeel and great veil of tension, this is outstanding stuff to enjoy right now. Drink 2021-2026- 91
2020 Upsidedown Wine ‘Rescue’ Rose- The ‘Rescue’ Rose saw a touch of puncheon fermentation as this was largely aged in stainless steel. Right away the wine shows pretty white rose petals with white peach, red raspberry and stony undertones on the nose. The palate is fresh and vibrant with great acidity. Layers of pretty red fruits collide with minerals, citrus rind and wet stone accents on the palate. Drink 2021-2025- 91
2020 Walla Walla Vintners Rose- This shows off nectarine with ripe pear and melon tones. On the nose. The freshness, finesse and soft mouthfeel does its thing marvelously as melon, kiwi and wet stone flavors nicely combine with minerals. The length and texture is great. Drink 2021-2025- 90
2019 XOBC ‘Evangeline’ Rose- One of the few Rose wines produced from Rocks District, the outstanding 2019 ‘Evangeline’ Rose combines equal parts Grenache and Syrah. The palate displays a downright thrilling texture, deftly combining with the stony accents of this highly nuanced Rose. White rose water, wet stone, cantaloupe and green apple flavors all meld together, with very delicate red fruits. This is one to buy by the case. Drink 2021-2027- 92