Rather than notice whether the robins are singing, the tulips are budding, or the grass is turning from brown to green, I judge how far spring is away by the number of pink wine samples I receive. Judging from that not-so-natural phenomenon, spring is just around the corner but still a few weeks away.
Here are a few recently released rosés and a few other nice wines – don’t miss the Sette Ponti and Ornellaia – to help you sip your way out of the winter doldrums.
2021 M.Chapoutier “Belleruche” Côtes-du-Rhone Rosé ($15). Very satisfying – strawberry/orange flavors with a balanced finish.
2021 Michel Chapoutier “Bila-Haut” Pays d’Oc Rosé ($15). Lighter and veering toward elegance, with ripe strawberry flavors and finishing citrus.
2021 Ferraton “Samorëns” Côtes-du-Rhone Rosé ($17). Clean and refreshing – strawberries with finishing touches of orange and other citrus.
2021 Château des Ferrages “Roumery” Côtes de Provence Rosé ($18). Very good food wine – fresh floral tastes and aromas, lots of citrus, some savory notes.
2021 Sonoma Cutrer Russian River Valley Rosé of Pinot Noir ($21). Flavorful – red fruit, almost-cherry – but quite crisp and tart and long on the palate.
2019 Baron Philippe de Rothschild “Escudo Rojo” Valle Central Gran Reserva ($20). Big red fruit and dark cherry aromas leap out of the glass like trout jumping on a spring day. Big fruit on the palate, a few savory notes, moderate acidity.
2019 Prisoner Wine “Saldo” California Red Wine ($30). Well-made in a rich, fruity style with dark purple flavors.
2015 Craggy Range “Aroha Te Muna” Martinborough Pinot Noir ($58). A big Pinot with lots of volume, robust cherry flavors, and modest tannins.
2015 Ramey “Rodgers Creek Vineyard” Petaluma Gap Syrah ($59). From a Syrah master, with lovely blackberry fruit and savory brambles with scrumptious tannins, Drink now or drink in 10 years – either way, it will be great.
2019 Alma Rose “Rancho la Viña” Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir ($62). Complex, big in flavors – rounded, rich cherries, fresh herbs, cola, chocolate mint – but medium body and good acidity.
2018 Sette Ponti “Oreno” Toscano IGT ($94). Just a lovely wine, a Bordeaux blend with restrained but still rich, purple fruits – blackberries and blueberries – with chocolatey tannins and a touch of raspiness.
2019 Ornellaia Bolgheri Superiore ($252). Very under control and purposefully subdued – smooth, dark berry flavors with fine tannins, a hint of creaminess, and rich earthy/savory notes.
Prices listed are generally SRP or from wine-searcher.com. As more wineries are now shipping direct-to-consumer, check the winery website if you can’t find a bottle in your retail store.
Feature photo: Courtesy of Tenuta Sette Ponti
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