Dry Rose has become the latest craze in wine! We have been on this bandwagon for the last three summers. It is finally taking off. That said, we have found several terrific dry Rose’s to try this summer as we get into the hot summer months of July and August. One trend we have noticed is that many of the top scoring Roses are being made from Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir. We hope this trend continues as it has led to some very tasty wines. So as you pack up the picnic basket for the beach or a picnic, pick up one or two of these tasty Rose’s. We hope you enjoy this exciting category as much as we did!
We open with our top scoring Rose which was awarded 92 points. This winner hails from the Walla Walla region of Washington State and is made from 100% Cabernet Franc. The Three Rivers Winery 2014 “Cabernet Franc Rose” for $14 is an absolute steal. I found it to be well balanced and savory and displays tasty mineral infused strawberry flavors with hints of watermelon and faint clementine. This terrific Rose is food friendly and would pair well with many foods. They only made 114 cases, so start your search soon…. Like now!
We have two wines that hit the 91 point mark. The first is the 2014 Tablas Creek “Dianthus” Rose for $27. This is the second year in a row this wine was a top scorer. This year’s blend is made from 46% Mourvedre, 41% Grenache and 13% Counoise. You will find it to be medium bodied, a little acidic and smooth as silk. I really liked its mild mineral infused red cherry flavors with hints of strawberry and faint watermelon. It finishes dry and its flavors linger for quite a while. This keeper will pair perfectly with grilled mahi mahi. Next up is the 2014 Ehlers Estate “Sylviane” Rose from St. Helena. This very good offering is made from 100% Cabernet Franc. On the palate, it balanced, mouthwatering and elegant. I loved its very tasty and gentle mild mineral infused watermelon flavors with notes of strawberry. This food friendly Rose would be perfect with Emeril’s grilled salmon with a pineapple, mango and strawberry salsa. This offering costs $28 per bottle and only 333 cases were made so call now if you want to try it.
We have several 90 pointers to introduce you to. We will start with this classic kitchen sink blend from Tavel that is very good. The 2014 Prieure de Montezargues for $18 is made from Red and White Grenache, Cinsault, Clairette and small percentages of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan, and Bourboulenc. It is medium bodied, pleasantly acidic, mouthwatering and nicely coats your mouth. I really liked its mineral infused tangerine flavors with notes of peach. I also detected hints of watermelon, white pepper, spice drop, and strawberry mixed in as well. It was pretty complex for a Rose. It would be a very nice beach offering served chilled. I also think it would be great with grilled Bavarian Weisswurst! Yum!
Next up is the 2014 Ponzi “Pinot Noir Rose” from the Willamette Valley in Oregon for $20. This tasty Rose is medium bodied, slightly acidic and lively on the palate. I really enjoyed its mineral infused mild tangerine flavors with a hint of peach and touch of pink grapefruit. This winner would pair well with shrimp scampi. Another 90 point winner is a second label from Tablas Creek. Their 2014 “Patelin de Tablas” Rose for $20 is a traditional blend of 80% Grenache, 17% Mourvedre and 3% Counoise. This offering is medium bodied, pleasantly acidic and round in the mouth. Its flavor profile is a tasty tangerine and watermelon blend with notes of gentle minerality. I also detected a hint of lemon in the end. This is a very refreshing dry rose. It will be a crowd pleaser at your summer cookouts. With 1,800 cases made it should be easy to find. Pair it with salmon burgers off the grill.
Our next 90 pointer is the 2014 Merriam “Rose of Pinot Noir” from the Russian River Valley. It is also $20 per bottle. This wine is balanced and very easy to quaff. It displays pleasant watermelon and light red cherry flavors with nicely integrated mild minerality throughout. I also picked up a touch of strawberry towards the end. This Rose is very food friendly and would pair nicely with shrimp scampi. There were only 143 cases made so call the winery soon to try some.
If you seek out organic options, consider this 2014 “Rose of Pinot Noir” by Sokol Blosser. At $20 it is fairly priced and should be accessible with 2,000 cases made. We found it to be light bodied, slightly acidic and lively. It displays mineral infused tangerine flavors with notes of red plum and strawberry. It finishes dry and its flavors and acidity linger for quite a while after the wine is gone. It was very popular with our mini tasting group. They thought it would be a nice offering to consider slightly chilled at the beach with sharp cheddar cheese.
Another 90 point Oregon winner is the 2014 Chehalem “Rose of Pinot Noir” from the Willamette Valley. This one costs a smidge more at $22 per bottle. This wine is medium bodied, balanced, round and a bit juicy. I really liked its tasty mild mineral infused red cherry flavors hints of strawberry. It finishes dry and is one of the more food friendly and versatile Rose options that you will come across. I would pair it with vegetable lasagna.
Our last two 90 pointers are a bit more money, but worth it if you can spend a little more. The first is the 2014 Blackbird “Arriviste” Rose from the Napa Valley for $25. It is made from 38% Cabernet Franc, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Merlot. It was well received by our mini-tasting group and did not last long. It is medium bodied, round and mouthwatering. We really enjoyed its mineral infused Maraschino cherry flavors with a faint hint of mild orange. Our group thought this Rose would complement lots of foods. I personally thought it would pair best with a grilled Mahi Mahi sandwich. Our last 90 pointer is the 2014 Gary Farrell “Rose of Pinot Noir” for $28. This Russian River Valley beauty opens with a pleasant red cherry and orange bouquet. On the palate, it is light to medium bodied, a little acidic and mouthwatering. I was enamored with its tasty tangy gentle tangerine flavors with notes of mild minerality and gentle red raspberry. The finish is dry and very refreshing. This Rose was perfect on the boat with Dubliner cheese and various sliced Italian meats.
The Best of the Rest Rose’s
Donelan 2014 “Sonoma County” (CA) $20 (89)
A nice follow-up to last year’s winner. This Rose displays pleasant mild mineral influenced gentle strawberry and red cherry flavors with hints of watermelon. Pair with quiche tart appetizers.
Amavi 2014 Rose “Walla Walla” (WA) $24 (89)
This 100% Cabernet Franc Rose from Washington State is slightly acidic and easy to enjoy. The flavor profile is a blend of mild red cherry and gentle watermelon with notes of strawberry and faint hints of minerality. It is food friendly and would pair well with many foods.
Cypher 2014 Rose “Pistil” (Paso Robles, CA) $24 (89)
This salmon colored wine is medium bodied, acidic and crisp. It displays tasty mild red cherry and strawberry flavors with hints of tangerine. Pair with grilled red snapper and mango with cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
Cakebread 2014 Rose “Vin de Porche” (Anderson Valley, CA) $25 (89)
This Rose is also medium bodied, acidic and crisp. I enjoyed its tasty mild mineral infused red cherry flavors with hints faint plum. It would be very nice at the beach on a hot summer day. I would also have it at dinner with baked stuffed shrimp.
Sidebar 2014 Rose “Russian River Valley” (CA) $25 (89)
This dark pink colored Rose is made from 100% Syrah. Its flavor profile is a blend of strawberry and watermelon with nicely integrated notes of minerality with a hint of red cherry. I would enjoy this Rose with grilled weisswurst at a picnic on a hot summer day.
Susana Balbo 2014 “Crios Rose of Malbec” (Mendoza, Arg.) $12 (88)
This good value dry Rose made from Malbec is medium bodied, slightly acidic and displays a hint of sweetness. I liked its mild mineral infused strawberry and Maraschino cherry flavors with a hint of red raspberry. It would be a nice beach option slightly chilled and cheddar cheese.
Wittmann 2013 Rose “Trocken” (Rheinhessen, Germany) $13 (88)
This light pink colored wine from Germany is a nice wine. It is medium bodied, a little acidic and mouthwatering with mineral infused strawberry flavors and a hint of tangerine and a touch lime. It is a perfect summer wine to serve chilled with grilled lime and garlic shrimp.
Red Newt 2014 “Kelby James Russell Dry Rose” Cabernet Franc (Finger Lakes, NY) $16 (88)
This Rose from the Finger Lakes is medium bodied, slightly acidic and rather dry. It displays minernal infused tangerine and strawberry flavors. It finishes quite dry and its flavors linger for a little while. This nice summer wine would pair well with Ipswich fried clam strips.
Yorkville Cellars 2013 Rose “Vin D’Une Nuit” (Yorkville Highlands, CA ) $22 (88)
Our last recommendation is another organic offering. This one from Yorkville Cellars is medium bodied, slightly acidic and refreshing. I found it to display mild mineral infused strawberry flavors with hints of red cherry. Like the others, this Rose would be a good beach wine served slightly chilled.
I hope you find some these gems and enjoy them. Please also check back to our complete list of recommended Rose’s as we are always adding to the list. If you find a gem that you like. Please provide a comment and share. Cheers! Ken