2 December 2020 2019 Limerick Lane Rosé

2019 Limerick Lane Rosé

December 2, 2020 By

I wrote about my visit to Limerick Lane Cellars after my last Sonoma County winery tour. The place is amazing, and I highly recommend a visit next time you’re in wine country. Very intimate setting with very knowledgeable staff and some of the very best wines in Sonoma.

As part of my allocation, I ordered a few of the rosé bottles as it’s a special wine. The creation of the Limerick Lane Rosé was inspired by Jake Bilbro’s 2012 visit to Southern Rhone region of France then Provence.

The grapes for the 2019 Limerick Lane Rosé are grown and picked specifically for this wine and not a saignée of Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. If you’re fortunate enough to find this wine (less than 500 cases made), buy buy buy!

Looks: Medium salmon in the glass

Smell: Inviting juicy citrus and floral notes on the nose

Taste: Zesty citrus, ripe strawberry on the palate

Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, with great acidity with a dry/clean finish

Pairings: Seafood (specially oysters and mussels), fish (ceviche would be great). Great as an aperitif but so food friendly also

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): 50% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache & 3% Grenache Blanc

Region: Sonoma County, CA

Price: $28

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Grenache, Mourvedre, Rose, Blush Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

10 American Rosé Wines to Enjoy this Fall

September 23, 2020 By

While conventional wisdom might suggest we stop wearing white on Labor Day and reserve our rosé drinking to summer, it doesn’t have to be so (well, perhaps on the wearing white part).

Recent Nielsen stats (as reported in Wine Business Monthly) show that Rosé wine sales in the U.S. are the fastest growing of any wine category at a growth rate of over 40% annually.

Rosé wine was once known as a summer patio sipping wine, but its food friendliness and its many excellent medium to heavy-bodied examples have changed the perception and now rosé is popular year-around. While there are many light-bodied rosé wines best served as aperitifs or lighter dishes, many can hold up to the heartier foods served in the fall.

Here are 10 American rosé wines to enjoy this fall:

Gruet Brut Rosé ($14.99) – Deepest pink color in the glass with moussy bubbles and intense red berry favors. I’m a huge fan of Gruet and you need to check them out. 100% Pinot Noir from New Mexico.

2019 Flowers Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir ($19.99) – Lovely salmon-colored in the glass, this delicious wine is lighter than some of these others, but it’s elegant and offers peach and strawberry flavors with great acidity and we’re not always eating short ribs in the Fall! Bonus: it comes in a magnum. 100% Pinot Noir from Sonoma, CA.

2019 Stolpman Estate Rose Ballard Canyon ($19.99) – Deep pink in the glass, this wine offers big juicy strawberry flavors and the winemaker goes as far as suggesting it be paired with a steak. 100% Grenache from Santa Barbara, CA.

2019 The Withers Rosé ($19.99) – Salmon-colored in the glass, this medium-bodied wine offers big cherry and peach flavors with floral notes. 100% Pinot Noir from the Sierra Foothills, CA.

2019 Bedrock Rose Ode to Lulu Sonoma Valley ($20.99) – If you love the fab Bandol rosé of France, this will be right up your alley. Vibrant wine with ripe berry flavors and a hint of pepper on the long finish. 65% Mataro and 35% Grenache from Sonoma Valley, CA.

2019 Paumanok Vineyards Vin Rosé ($21.00) – In the glass, the color is deep pink. This is a semi-sweet wine that would be super paired with Thai food or other spicy cuisine. Rosé blend from North Fork of Long Island, NY.

2019 Red Tail Ridge Pinot Dry Rosé ($24.99) – If you can find/order wines from this winery – do it. This rosé is a big mouthful of ripe raspberry with a bit of cranberry tartness. 100% Pinot Noir from the Finger Lakes, NY.

2019 Ehlers Estate Sylviane Rosé ($32.00) – This lighter pink color is deceiving as it’s a full-bodied wine with big strawberry jam and juicy peach flavors. Great acidity on the long finish – perfect food wine. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Cabernet Franc from Napa Valley, CA.

2018 Milbrandt Vineyards Rosé ($35.99) – Much fruitiness on the palate but a mix of berries and dried fruit like cranberries which would be great with pasta in a creamy sauce. Just a touch of herbes de Provence on the finish. 73% Syrah, 27% Tempranillo from Columbia Valley, WA.

2016 Benton Lane Pinot Noir Rosé ($38.99) – Bright pink in the glass, this intense wine has flavors of cherry pie filling with some cranberry tartness. 100% Pinot Noir from Willamette Valley, OR.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Rose, Blush Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
22 July 2020 Virtual Tasting with Dracaena Wines

Virtual Tasting with Dracaena Wines

July 22, 2020 By

Last week, I participated in an informative Zoom wine tasting with Lori Budd of Dracaena Wines. I’ve done a few virtual wine tastings since the start of the pandemic, and this was fun with tons of great info sharing about the winery and Paso Robles.

About Dracaena Wines

Lori and her husband Michael left corporate America, and New Jersey, four years ago to live out their dream in Paso Robles, California. Through hard work they’ve grown to producing over 400 cases of wine yearly.

Dracaena, pronounced [druh-see-nuh], is the scientific name of the plant better known as the Draco plant. The name allowed the couple who come to winemaking from scientific backgrounds to also honor the memory of their Weimaraner, Draco, through their winemaking business.

We tasted three wines: 2019 Rosé of Syrah, 2017 Reserve Cabernet Franc and the 2017 Cabernet Franc Classic.

2019 Dracaena Wines Rosé of Syrah

Lovely Provence-style rosé that would be great with food but also perfect for sipping on a warm day. This has bold flavors and definitely not a wimpy, watery rosé (amen to that).

Looks: Dark rich pink/coral color in the glass

Smell: Fresh, ripe strawberry

Taste: Juicy strawberry and raspberry with some floral notes

Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, crisp, great acidity, dry finish

Pairings: Grilled fish, roasted chicken, creamy cheeses or as an aperitif on a warm day

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, CA, USA

Price: $20

2017 Dracaena Wines Reserve Cabernet Franc

Single clone, single vineyard (Plummer Vineyard) Cabernet Franc. According to Lori “not made to taste like bell pepper” which I can absolutely appreciate.

Looks: Dark ruby in the glass

Smell: Dark fruit, black berries with smoky/mocha notes

Taste: Ripe raspberry, dark fruit, chocolate/leather notes

Texture and Finish: Medium-heavy bodied, rich, medium tannins, medium finish

Pairings: Grilled/roasted red meats, aged cheeses, ribs

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Cabernet Franc

Region: Paso Robles, CA, USA

Price: $45

2017 Dracaena Wines Classic Cabernet Franc

This wine received a stellar 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and is a big boy that could benefit from some cellaring to attain its full potential. For the tasting, I used my aerator and it saw an immediate softening. Lori stated it could easily go 10 years in the cellar.

Looks: Dark purple/red in the glass

Smell: Dark fruit (raspberry/cherry)

Taste: Ripe raspberry, chocolate-covered cherry, pumpkin pie spice

Texture and Finish: Medium-heavy bodied, rich, medium tannins, medium-long finish

Pairings: Grilled/roasted red meats, aged cheeses, beef short ribs would be especially tasty

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 95% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petite Syrah

Region: Paso Robles, CA, USA

Price: $34

Wine Club

Dracaena Wines has a very popular wine club called Chalk Club where fans of their wines can become members by buying three bottles twice a year at a minimum. A progressive discount is offered for folks who remain members. Members can choose either all red wines or a mix of red and rosé. For more information on Chalk Club, visit: https://dracaenawines.com/chalk-club.   

Dracaena Wines are distributed through the winery, available online for purchase and available at many places.

Lori teased by telling us that 2020 will bring about a Chenin Blanc from Clarsburg and I cannot wait to get that in my glass.

Cheers,

Veronique

Note: Wines were provided by Dracaena Wines complimentary for this tasting.

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Petite Syrah, Red Wine, Rose, Blush Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
18 July 2018 French Roots, American Dream – Gruet Winery

French Roots, American Dream – Gruet Winery

July 18, 2018 By

I’m a big fan of Gruet wines and find it fascinating that an acclaimed French Champagne maker would travel to the USA in the 1980s, specifically New Mexico, to start a sparkling wine business. What foresight and drive!

About Gruet Winery

Gilbert Gruet and his wife Danielle, dreaming of producing fine Champagnes, founded Gruet et Fils in Bethon, France and has been making Champagne since 1952.

The family traveled through the southwestern USA in 1983 and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had had success planting vineyards about 150 miles south of Albuquerque. In 1984, Gilbert decided to plant Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes in an experimental vineyard in Engle, NM. Two of his four children, Laurent and Nathalie, relocated to New Mexico to begin the family’s American winemaking business.

Laurent is the Head Winemaker at Gruet Winery. Like his father before him, Laurent’s top priority as a winemaking is quality. Wine Spectator named his Gruet NV Blanc de Noirs a Top 100 wine of the world in 2011, an unusual accolade for a sparkling wine under $20.

Nathalie is Gruet Winery’s President. Nathalie moved to the USA only knowing a few English words and has helped propel Gruet into its current position as one of the top-rated American sparkling wines in its price category.

Gruet Brut Rosé NV

Gruet Brut RoseI enjoyed this wine recently at a tapas restaurant where it paired beautifully with so many dishes and flavors – very food friendly.

Looks: Medium salmon-colored in the glass

Smell: Big, ripe strawberry aromas with bright floral notes

Taste: Rich flavors of raspberries/strawberries/ with some juicy cherry notes

Texture and Finish: Fresh with small bubbles. Medium-bodied, dry on the finish with great acidity

Pairings: Grilled fish or seafood

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: New Mexico, USA

Price: $17

Filed Under: Pinot Noir, Rose, Blush Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
27 June 2018 Limerick Lane Cellars Tasting Room Visit

Limerick Lane Cellars Tasting Room Visit

June 27, 2018 By

About Limerick Lane Cellars

Limerick Lane Cellars is a 30-acre estate located in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley, just south of Healdsburg. While the area is renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Limerick Lane grows and produces world class Zinfandel and Rhone-blends.

Limerick Lane was originally planted in 1910 by the Del Fava family, immigrants from Italy. It’s now thought to be one of the top areas for Zinfandel in Sonoma County. Limerick Lane is now owned and run by brothers Jake and Scot Bilbro, the sons of Chris Bilbro who owns the acclaimed Marietta Cellars. Scot is the primary winemaker and Jake is charged with sales of the wines.

The Limerick Lane vineyards are rocky and well-drained and rocky – ideal for growing Zinfandel, Syrah and Grenache, the core wines at the winery. 

About the Tasting Room

View from Tasting Room

We made the lovely drive to the Limerick Lane tasting room located amid the vineyards right in the heart of the Russian River Valley, only three miles from downtown Healdsburg. The staff was beyond friendly and shared a wealth of knowledge with us that included a walk through the vineyard, directly outside the tasting room building. Tasting notes about the wines we sampled is below.

The tasting room is open daily from 10am – 5pm and absolutely worth a visit when in Sonoma, this was one of our best tastings in Sonoma. 

About the Wines

2017 Limerick Lane Rosé ($28)

We loved this rosé and picked up a case for summer parties. It’s not a saignée of Pinot Noir or Zinfandel – the grapes are grown and picked specifically for this wine. It’s 62% Syrah and 38% Grenache. The nose on this lovely salmon-colored wine is citrusy. On the palate, it tastes of sweet strawberries and juicy sweet lemons. There’s great, food-friendly acidity on the finish.

2015 Limerick Lane Russian River Zinfandel ($42)

This estate Zinfandel is Limerick Lane’s flagship wine. It’s inky in the glass with big dark berry aromas with mocha notes. Flavors are of juicy red berries with peppery/chocolate notes. It’s big and rich in the best possible way with a long, tannic finish.

Limerick Lane Rosé

Limerick Lane Rosé

2015 Limerick Lane Rocky Knoll Zinfandel ($60)

This Zinfandel is blended with small amounts of Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Syrah. 12 barrels produced. Big aromas and flavors of dark berries on this rich, opulent wine. Great acidity on the long finish.

2015 Limerick Lane Headpruned Block Syrah ($50)

100% Syrah. Limerick Lane claims this is quite possibly the one and only acre of headpruned Syrah in all of California. Only 8 barrels of this amazing wine are produced, so sipping it outside the tasting room is pretty unlikely, unless on the allocation list. Floral aromas with peppery notes. Juicy dark raspberry on the palate on this well-made, rich wine.

Limerick Lane Cellars – 1023 Limerick Lane, Healdsburg, CA 95448.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Syrah, Rose, Blush Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, United States, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , , , ,
9 May 2018 Van Duzer Vineyards

Van Duzer Vineyards

May 9, 2018 By

I recently had the opportunity to sample some of Van Duzer Vineyard’s wines at a festival and really enjoyed the Willamette Valley wines. The two affordable wines I tasted were the 2016 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rosé and the 2016 Van Duzer Pinot Gris.

About Van Duzer

Carl and Marilynn Thoma, owners of Van Duzer Vineyards (www.vanduzer.com), were among the first visionaries to select the Van Duzer Corridor to establish their family estate in 1998. The 80+ acre estate is planted in the direct path of cool marine winds that help moderate the temperatures over the vineyard.

I don’t typically buy wine based on labels, but the Van Duzer labels are beautiful and were designed by acclaimed illustrator, John Martinez, whose work can be seen in the collections of the Library of Congress and Museum of Modern Art.

About the Winemaker and Wines

Van Duzer’s winemaker is Florent Merlier whose career in wine began in Burgundy. His background helped him understand how to capitalize on the flavors in the thicker-skinned grapes that thrive in the Van Duzer Corridor and around the Willamette Valley.

Van Duzer Vineyards is LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology)-certified as well as Salmon Safe and IOBC.

2016 Van Duzer Pinot Noir Rosé

I was really impressed by this rosé – true summer in a glass. Would be perfect as a summer sipper or paired with appetizers an outdoor party. For those into that sort of thing, this wine received an 86 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Looks: Medium salmon-colored in the glass

Smell: Big, ripe strawberry aromas with some floral notes just screaming for me to take a sip

Taste: Flavors of raspberries/strawberries/ with some juicy watermelon notes

Texture and Finish: Bone dry on the finish with great acidity

Pairings: Grilled fish or seafood

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, OR, USA

Price: $20

2016 Van Duzer Estate Pinot Gris

Worth getting a case of this lovely Pinot Gris for summer get-togethers. This wine received an 87 points from Wine Enthusiast.

Looks: Medium salmon-colored in the glass

Smell: Tropical fruit bouquet – peach, mango, pineapple

Taste: Flavors of juicy apple/pear with some peach and Meyon lemon notes

Texture and Finish: Creamy mouthfeel that with great acidity and minerality on the finish

Pairings: Oysters, sautéed scallops, white-flesh fish

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris

Region: Willamette Valley, OR, USA

Price: $18

Happy drinking,

Veronique

 

 

Filed Under: Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Rose, Blush Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
5 April 2017 Top Rosé Wines Under $15

Top Rosé Wines Under $15

April 5, 2017 By

Those of us living in a cold climate are eager to get the rosé uncorked, marking the unofficial start of the Spring-Summer season. I enjoy rosé wines year-around – heavier in the winter and lighter in the summer and below are examples of nice, accessible rosé wines for under $15.

2015 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône Rosé (Rhone Valley, France, $10.99)

Fresh and bright floral aromas with some saline notes on this medium-bodied French rosé. In the mouth, the flavors are of raspberries and bright citrus followed by a dry finish. 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Cinsault.

2015 E. Guigal – Côtes du Rhône Rosé (Rhone Valley, France, $12.99)

Bright salmon color in the glass, this French rosé wine has raspberry and ripe strawberry aromas that carry over to the palate. Elegant wine with great balance and structure. This family has been making rose since the ‘40s and know what it’s doing. 60% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 10% Syrah.

Gruet Rosé Brut NV (New Mexico, $12.99)

Bright deep pink in the glass, this New Mexico rosé has a fine mousse bubbles and big ripe strawberry flavors. The floral nose has berry notes. Nice level of acidity on the finish. 100% Pinot Noir.

2015 Marques de Caceres Rioja Rosado (Rioja, Spain, $12.99)

Bright strawberry-peach color in the glass. Big floral and red berries aromas. On the palate, this Rioja rosé offers flavors of red berries and cherries with licorice notes. 96% Tempranillo, 4% Garnacha Tinta.

2015 Chateauneuf de Pierrevert – Domaine La Blaque Rosé (Provence, France, $14.99)

Pale peach color in the glass with citrus, floral aromas. This dry Provence rosé wine has berry and citrus zest flavors with lots of acidity and minerality on the finish. 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah.

Happy rose drinking!

Veronique

Filed Under: France, Grenache, Pinot Noir, Rose, Blush Wine, Spain, Syrah / Shiraz, Tempranillo, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
10 February 2016 10 Rosé Wines to Enjoy this Winter

10 Rosé Wines to Enjoy this Winter

February 10, 2016 By

Rosé wine sales are booming on the American market with 3.3 million cases estimated to have been sold in 2015, up from 500,000 cases sold in 2008 (source: Nielson).

Rose Wine WinterWhat was once considered a summer patio wine, rosé has become popular year-around due primarily to its food-friendliness. While there are numerous light-bodied rosés best served as aperitifs, many can hold up to hearty foods served in the winter.

Here are 10 rosé wines to enjoy this winter:

Valdo Rosé Brut ($13.99) – Deep pink in the glass, this wine offers fruity aromas and floral and raspberry flavors very fine bubbles. Nerello Mascalese, Glera.

Paul Cheneau Brut Rosé ($13.99) – Very bright cherry-pink color with well-developed small and constant bubbles forming a gentle rosary. Intense notes of fresh red fruits and hints of fine lees and dried berries, together with subtle, yet very attractive fragrances of fresh strawberries. 85% Trepat, 15% Pinot Noir.

2014 La Petite Perrière Rosé ($13.99) – Bright, pale pink with light raspberry colored highlights. On the nose, the wine develops subtle aromas of raspberry and morello cherry with hints of rose petals. 100% Pinot Noir.

2015 Los Vascos Rosé ($13.99) – Bright, pale pink color. On the nose, aromas of strawberries, raspberries, cherries and pomegranates underscored by white chocolate and sugar syrup. The palate is fresh, balanced and persistent. 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah.

Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé NV ($15.99) – Bright pink in the glass with strawberry aromas that carry over in the mouth. Laced with citrus and a little clove, Creamy and silky texture with nice level of acidity and a clean, dry finish. 100% Pinot Noir.

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé ($15.99) – In the glass, the color is festive and bright pink. The nose is of intense red berry and cherry aromas. The bright fruity aromas continue on the palate. There’s good acidity and minerality with a slightly tart medium finish. Syrah, Aragones.

Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Rosé ($21.99) – The flavors display nice strawberry and wild cherry fruit, with a touch of richness on the mid palate. It is balanced with dry, crisp acidity and complimented with a creamy texture and long finish. 100% Pinot Noir.

2014 Prieuré de Montézargues Tavel AOC ($23.99) – A pretty rosé wine with violet tints and a nice salmon color. The nose is intense with tones of red currant, raspberry and white flowers. 55% Grenaches (red & white), 30% Cinsault, 13% Clairette, 2% Others (Syrah, Mourvédre, Carignan, Bourboulenc).

2014 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé ($35.99) – Intense floral nose with a bit of strawberry. It has incredible peaches and juicy, ripe cantaloupe flavors with bright acidity and a long pleasantly dry finish. 50% Mourvèdre, 28% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 2% Carignan.

Champagne Drappier Brut Rosé ($54.99) – Very well structured, with exemplary purity of red fruits. Striking Champagne on the nose offering similar sensations on the palate. Warm and satiny, lightly spiced with balanced hints of stoned fruits thanks to a lovely freshness in the finish. 100% Pinot Noir.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: By Country, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,
3 June 2015 Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace

Lucien Albrecht Brut Rosé Cremant D’Alsace

June 3, 2015 By

Lucien Albrecht Cremant D'Alsace Brut RoseI’m a big fan of anything Lucien Albrecht wines and highly-recommend you familiarize yourself with them.

Appearance: Coral/pink in color with fine and small bubbles.

Nose: Light strawberry intensity with a hint of yeast.

Palate: Juicy strawberry continues with a hint of sweetness that’s balanced by bright acidity. Creamy yet crisp mouthfeel.

Assessment of quality: Lovely wine with a good balance of sweetness and acidity with a medium finish.

Readiness for drinking/potential for ageing: drink now, not intended for ageing.

Approximate retail price: $22.

Region of origin Alsace, France

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Pairings: Grilled chicken. Spicy dishes. Seafood.

Style: Rosé Wine

Region: Alsace, France

Price: $22

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding it to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: France, Pinot Noir, Rose, Blush Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
18 March 2015 2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa Rosé

March 18, 2015 By

2013 Esporao Vinha da Defesa RoséWith our winter seemingly lasting extra long this year, when an offer to taste a rosé came about, I couldn’t resist.

In the glass, the color is festive and bright pink. The nose is of intense red berry and cherry aromas. The bright fruity aromas continue on the palate. There’s good acidity and minerality with a slightly tart medium finish.

Pairings: Lightly-prepared fish or seafood. Perfect as an aperitif.

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): Syrah, Aragones

Region: Alentejo, Portugal

Price: $15

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding it to my repertoire as it’s truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Portugal, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
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