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Wine Type
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Vintage
Name
Variety
Locale
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Date
Posted
Score
Helpful
Comments
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Rosé
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2014 Renegade Wine Co. Rosé
Columbia Valley
Rosé Blend more
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This is an amazing rosè for $10!!! Would be a great one at 2x the price. Gorgeous watermelon flesh color, nose of fresh cherries, tomato Vine, strawberry. Great balance of acid and fruit with lingering finish, would pair well with a wide array of summer fare. Blend of 50% Syrah, 21% Cinsault, 18% Grenache , 6 Counoise, 5% Mourvedre.
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Rosé
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2013 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Rosé
Paso Robles
Red Rhone Blend more
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refreshing new 2012 Rosé from Tablas. 73% Grenache, 22% Mourvedre, 5% Counoise.
Pretty, light rose pink color, nice notes of rose petal, strawberry, bright cherry on nose, well rounded in the mouth with citrus, red fruits, and tart cherry, with a nice lingering finish. 14% alc.
Wonderful summer porch wine and quaffer.
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White
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2012 Dutton-Goldfield Pinot Blanc Dutton Ranch Shop Block
Green Valley of Russian River Valley
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RRV continues to expand to Pinot and Chard (understandably so given what they sell for, sadly) so its wonderful too see D-G still doing a RRV Pinot Blanc.
Nicely balanced at 13.5% alc, with partial ML, this release shows nice minerality and mouth feel.
Nose of lychee, white pear, melon, white grapefuit
On the palate: pear, stone fruit, citrus, with palate cleansing acidity that lingers.
Wonderful solo, paired with summer salads, or other light summer fare.
Wish I had more to drink thru fall.
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Rosé
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2012 Donkey and Goat Grenache Gris Isabel's Cuvée McDowell
McDowell Valley
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An amazing start to the 2012 rose' season, as many being released need a tad more bottle time.
This small production (~200 cases this year?) sells out in weeks....and is gone.
The label doesnt say Grenache Gris, so I am glad to see CT be accurate. G Gris isn't recognized as an official varietal in CA, but its a true Rhone variety, kin to Grenache Noir & Blanc - a grey skinned grape like Trousseau Gris, Pinot Gris.
No vinification notes on hand but skin contact would be minimal given pertty, light orange color.
The wine is slightly cloudy, especially as you near the end of the bottle, which at 12.7% alc doesnt take long.
If you are worried about cloudy white & rose' - time to put on your big boy wine pants, in can mean a superior, not inferior, wine.
It certainly means ballsy, and Parker can kiss my lees.
The wine is lighter, salmon orange color.
Nose of blood orange, peach skin, hint of savory
The palate is refreshing, bright, but complex. Notes of bright fresh strawberry, peach, blood orange savory citrus.
long lingering finish. I'd recommend buy some, but its sold out :(
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Rosé
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2012 Donkey and Goat Grenache Gris Isabel's Cuvée McDowell
McDowell Valley
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one of the few rose' that is as good year 2 as year one. Go Grenache Gris!
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Rosé
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2012 Broc Cellars White Zinfandel Arrowhead Mtn
Sonoma Valley
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New rose' by Matt Broc just out. Tongue in Cheek name, this is actually the 2nd 'white zin' had over last two seasons from small producers that rocked.
a pretty salmon, pink grapefruit color
nose of tangerine, white peach
juicy on the palate, strawberry, nectarine, white grapefruit.
zippy acid.
I like it better at room temp, and after a bit of air even more.
I'd sit on a few more couple months and try again, so fun to watch rose' progress in bottle.
another great small lot wine from Broc
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Rosé
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2012 Château de Campuget Costières-de-Nîmes Rosé Tradition de Campuget
Red Rhone Blend more
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for $10 (sadly sold out now at K&L) a great rose'. My guess is its better this had a few extra months, as the acidity is very lively, will carry and drink well through the holidays easily.
(Jason notes below he found it at Whole Foods too)
Light salmon pink color
Nose of blood orange, baby aspirin (damn you to heck Alan Baker! :) ) , hint of ocean breeze
Nice citrus notes - red grapefruit, tangerine, blood orange.
Long finish.
racy acid, best served with a good (not too much!) chill
Rhone rose' rules the roost :)
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Rosé
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2012 Matthiasson Syrah Rosé
Napa Valley
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Stunning syrah Rosé. No details on vinification or vineyard site, but was picked early just for rose', the low alcohol (12%) and light color aptly demonstrate.
The color is a very pale pink, skin contact must have been very minimal.
The nose is a fragrant tangerine, grapefruit, blood orange, with hints of spice and (2nd day) confectionary powder.
On the palate, its bright and refreshing. Its not released too early, but I do find I enjoyed it more second day.
For a rose' this bright, it also has very good texture, with nice saline and mineral notes. More citrus than red fruit,
with a clean, lingering, mouth watering finish, that isn't overly astringent.
This is one of those rose' that is awesome now, and will be even more stunning by Thanksgiving. Hide some until then, it will only get better, but it won't be for sale!
K&L has some, amongst others.
enjoy, and go Rhone!
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Rosé
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2012 Idlewild Grenache Gris Rosé Gibson Ranch
Mendocino
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Somehow Grenache Gris vines in Mendocino County, have been the best kept secret in decades. No longer, Idlewild is the one of the first, with a few more small culty producers to follow, working with the largely unknown 3rd member of the Grenache family.
This is one of three new releases of the initial vintage of Idlewild - a local north Sonoma amazing husband and wife team, who should soon join the ranks of the other noteworthy small producers doing high quality, unusual wines.
The wine is a from mix of old and new world vinification techniques. Demonstrating that few winemakers follow the same doctrine, part of the beauty of the craft.
The process for the Grenache Gris was noteworthy combination of carbonic, skin contact, and neutral barrel
- at start, bins were gassed with carbon dioxide and sealed, for carbonic maceration.
- Five days later, Once carbonic maceration began the grapes were foot stomped to crush the berries.
- For another three days they left the fruit on skins and stems., during normal fermentation
- The juice was then pressed and fermentation finished slowly
at low temperatures.
- Finally, elevage (aging) was a few months in neutral French oak on the lees.
Tasting Notes:
The first thing that strikes you about this wine, (besides its gorgeous clear color.) is its savory nature, both on the nose and palate.
Color: Clear, bright, dark salmon orange
Nose: Watermelon rind, blood orange, citrus, savory/spice note
On The Palate: The front palate is citrus, blood orange, hint of ruby grapefruit. The mid palate has an excellent salinity element and savory notes. The finish continues the mid palate profile with a clean finish of savory & citrus.
A very drinkable wine solo, the savory & saline begs me to pair it with food, which I will the next bottle. Summer fare - salads with citrus sections, and citrus vinegar dressings, grilled lighter fare, leaner white fish (pair salt with salt remember.)
The wine is also young, a hybrid of white, and a lighter red. it will be a worthy experience to buy 6+ bottles and drink over the season and experience subtle changes.
122 cases produced, 12.6 % alc
Get ready for the Grenache gris revolution.
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White
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2012 Creekside Cellars Gewürztraminer
Colorado
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One of the best domestic Gewurtz I have had this year is from....Colorado. Tasted 2012 sample pre bottling.
A nose that is clearly Gewurtz, but not overly floral as so many are.
Nice notes of lychee, orange blossom, ripe white pear
Nice acidity in the mouth, good texture, and minerality. Goes down wayyyy to easily.
Bravo.
Winemaker Michelle Cleveland nailed this, watch for its release.
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White
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2012 Ryme Vermentino Hers Las Brisas Vineyard
Carneros
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Ryme puts Carneros back on the map. The Hers Vermentino is a stunning display of domestic Vermentino with bright acidity, good texture & weight. More.
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White
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2012 Sheldrake Point Gewürztraminer
Finger Lakes
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Finger Lakes Gewurtz.
Harvested at 22.8 brix, cold soaked 3 days
Pale yellow color
Wonderful nose, not overly floral as some Gewurtz can be. Ginger, orange blossom, ripe apricot, stone fruit.
Interesting on the palate - makes the tongue tingle a bit, although the acid #s aren't crazy.
Front palate highlights the slight RS (.5%) mid palate has classic Gewurtz fleshiness, and tingles the tongue.
The finish is bright and clean, with citrus and spice.
A good wine for under $20, well made Gewurtz. Love to try it again with some bottle aging.
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Rosé
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2012 Bodegas San Alejandro Calatayud Rosado Las Rocas
Garnacha, Grenache more
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Good value rosé (rosado) from Spain, from 100% Grenache (garnacha), 13.5% (Grenache rosé is often a tad higher) that drinks very well, and has held up as a 2012.
Beautiful deep pink watermelon skin color.
Nose of strawberry, red fruits, citrus
Tasted at various temps, ranging from overchilled to higher than cellar temp, and shows no flaws.
Clean and bright in mouth, with strawberry, watermelon Jolly Rancher and a clean finish. Good for summer fare.
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White
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2012 Broc Cellars Picpoul Blanc Luna Matta Vineyard
Paso Robles
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one of the best Picpoul's I have had yet. Amazing texture, acidity. Dont know how Chris does this with Paso fruit at 12% alc. bravo.
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White
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2012 Glenora Wine Cellars Gewürztraminer
Seneca Lake
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Nice example of Gewurtz from the Finger Lakes for under $15
Clear bright pale yellow color
Undeinably gewurtz on the nose, but not overpowering aromatics as some CA examples can have.
Lychee & stone fruit.
Good acid (3.28 pH) that is well balanced with the slight RS (.75%)
White peach on front palate, nice round fruit on mid palate, and pleasing lingering acidity on finish.
Pair with asian or Jamaican jerk recipes.
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White
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2012 Acquiesce Picpoul Blanc
Lodi
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Wonderful Picpoul from Lodi. Nice bright fruit, but well rounded on the palate. Was better 2nd day. Worth cellaring for some complexity. We need more Picpoul in CA!
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White
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2012 Cline Cellars Cashmere
California
White Blend more
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Interesting blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Muscat Canelli, and trace 4% Viognier.
Muscat Canelli isn't my fave, so didn't think I would go gaga over this.
The Muscat Canelli is very present on the nose, with ripe stone fruits, floral notes.
The mouth is ripe fruits, with a hint of sweetness. (1.3% RS)
Served not overchilled its a value wine that will appeal to many consumers.
Would pair well with spicy Asian food.
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Red
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2012 Régis Bouvier Bourgogne
Pinot Noir more
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a great entry level priced Burgundy. Not complex but solid with good red fruit, some earthiness, good finish.
For pasta night.
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White
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2012 Isaac Fernández Selección Godello Ribeira Sacra Adras
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This is a wonderful Spanish white, after open my first bottle from Garagiste, earlier this year I promptly ordered a case, which just came in.
Beautiful aromas, wonderful texture, mouthwatering acidity, One of my favorite Spanish whites.
I'm not sure who is inputing the bottle age duration, but the window should be far beyond 2014. I would give this to the five years minimum and perhaps beyond.
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Red
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2012 La Forge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon
Vin de Pays d'Oc
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Cabernet Sauvignon from the Languedoc.
Yield of 2.5 tons/acre, aged 6 months in barrel.
At immediate opening showed a slightly funky note, that though perhaps was a touch of Brett (which I don't mind)
that quickly blew off, though was just slightly detectable later, but doesn't detract from the wine.
Deep purplish red, but not as light absorbing as many of the bigger Cabs seen today.
Red fruit on the nose, with under tones of earth.
Young for a cabernet, with some drying tannins, but a nice profile of black fruit, brambly, but approachable now, that isn't overly fruit forward, and balanced at 13.5% alc. Would pair well now with lamb, or other richer roasted meats.
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White - Off-dry
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2012 Fortant de France Muscat Vin de Pays d'Oc Coast Select
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One the more interesting value priced Muscats I have tasted. From the Languedoc. Cold, slow fermented, aged 3 months sur lies, which shows in its rich texture.
The standard strong floral nose of Muscat, with notes of lemon custard, orange and peach blossom.
Ripe, baked stone fruits (like in a pie), noticeable heavy texture, density in the mouth. Notable on this wine is a nice touch of minerality, wet stone on the finish. If you like aromatic Viognier, or enjoy Muscat in general, you may enjoy this wine. Perhaps pair with Thai food.
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White
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2012 Les Domaines Paul Mas Chardonnay Vin de Pays d'Oc St Hilaire
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I had higher hopes for this wine, and wanted to love it, as it sounded great on paper.
Clay and limestone soils vineyard specific site. Good acid #s and pH. Stainless fermentation with Malolactic.
It seems like this wine tries to have one foot in a riper style Chard, and another in restrained, bright, and accomplishes neither.
Its not a bad wine, it shows citrus notes, decent finish, some roundness, but its lacking varietal distinction.
Not having sampled much chardonnay from the Languedoc (Typically I look for Rhones there) I don't have a huge comparative basis but would be curious to know other farming and vinification details.
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Red
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2012 Fortant Malbec Vin de Pays d'Oc Hills Reserve
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Malbec from the Languedoc. A nice change from higher alcohol, ripe, fruit forward Malbec common these days.
Night harvested, 4 day cold soak, aged 4 months in barrel. 13% alc.
Purple, plum red color, not as dark or extracted as some of the inky purple Malbec commonly seen.
Notes of currant, violets, spice, and a hint of vanilla on the nose.
Enjoyable red and black fruits on the palate, not overpowering, with good structure also not dominating, balanced.
Easy drinking.
A good value for the price, and every day drinking wine.
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White
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2011 Steven Kent Winery Lola Ghielmetti Vineyard
Livermore Valley
Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend more
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Steven Kent Wines tasting; 2/17/2013-2/18/2013: I fell in love with this wine at first sip. For those seeking an escape from the popular NZ style, this is a good stop.
To be fair, 1/3 of this wine is Semillon, the other 2/3 being Sauv Blanc.
7 months in stainless, no ML.
The outstanding attribute is its bright acidity, but that isn't uni-dimensional.
Color is a light, pale, yellow
Nose of tangerine, pink grapefruit, lime zest, sea breeze
A bit more texture in the mouth would enhance this wine & its brightness, but its very enjoyable.
A blend of lime, orange, tangerine, that doesn't quite sear the mouth, but is an excellent
palate cleanser, and a great way to end a flight! Nice salinity mid palate, lingering finish.
The tech sheet says can age 1-2 years, but drink young. Interesting, as it certainly has the acid to bottle age,
and still I believe, benefit.
Nonetheless - a perfect summer wine!
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Rosé
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2011 Acorn Rosato Alegría Vineyards
Russian River Valley
Rosé Blend more
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Simple Hedonisms Rosé Panel; 5/1/2012-8/5/2012: This Rosé is a wonderful vineyard blend of 54% Sangiovese, 25% Dolcetto, 20% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Viognier
Partial Barrel fermented (Dolcetto) and stainless, and then combined and aged in neutral oak. A blend of Saignee of Dolcetto, 20%, the rest field blend crushed, with over night skin contact then pressed.
12.6% alc.
To The Eye: The color is a lively bright medium pink.
On the nose: Cranberry, rose petals, fresh cherry.
In The Mouth: Bright front palate of cherry, raspberry, a pleasant textured mid palate, with a bright lingering finish of citrus and plum.
This Rosé drinks wonderfully standalone, will pair with a nice range of summer foods, and has the acidity to easily last into the 2012 release, if not overlap it. In fact it might even get a bit better. You'd be remiss not to drink a few bottles over the summer, and lay 1-2 down for Thanksgiving and Holidays. (Rosé is a very versatile pairing wines.)
90-91 points
Geek Info:
Brix at Harvest 22° (average)
Barrel Aging 5 months
Bottled February 12, 2012
Alcohol 12.6%
pH 3.34
T.A. 6.63g/L
Case Production 159
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