Think Pink!

Late spring, early summer is in the air. We had a very hot weekend last week and just in time were the Rosé to appear lightly chilled to quench the thirst. Now if you didn’t read my first Rosé postings, I am not talking the sticky sweet White Zinfandel or Sutter Home mutations of Rosé. Please keep an open mind. These are fun fruitful, bright, and can be as dry as you could want a wine to be. Each I list here I would be happy to have anytime. Another perk of these pink drink is that while not only fun they are typically very affordable. So take a moment to adjust your perceptions, put on some rose colored glasses, enjoy the view, and think pink my friends.

Ametzio Rubentos Txakolina 2007 (Basque) – Ever had a Rosé from Basque before? Well, me neither. This Txakolina (Choc-Oh-Leena) grape Rosé was absolutely the stunner of the evening for me. The color was what I described as Halo pink. Think of a very light clouded pink color like faded neon or that of a light pink Crayola. The aroma was of dried strawberries and a bit of yeast or champagne. A delicate mouth-feel, it danced a sexy tango over the palate with tart and dry lean raspberry and strawberry run amuck. It was zippy and zesty in the mouth with both the fruit and a slight effervescence not unlike a mild sparkler. Perhaps a bit of fermentation still in the bottle? The slight bounce of the step, in the dance of the twirling Basque raspberry certainly captured my attention. It was one Rosé I kept going back to taste further. Good luck finding for a tasting though; I’ve been told this is a rare Rosé and does not see a lot imported. If you get the chance, do try. I think you’ll want to do the raspberry tango and enjoy a warm summer’s eve as well. $ 18/bottle

Grochau Cellars Pink 2007 (Oregon) – This is a strawberry jolly rancher redish pink pinot noir Rosé! Transparent rudy pink in color; Pink is all strawberries and cherries in the glass jumping up to say “well hello, ready for a party?” While bright and light it is still not a sweet sipper but does have the tastes of pinot noir Rosé being fruit forward on the palate. It’s simply a fine bright fun Rosé that cries out for pork spare ribs or other pupu platter. A friendlier Rosé for the value I am not sure you will find! I think this is a perfect wine to introduce you and friends to how good a Rosé can be. $ 11-13/bottle

Murphy’s Law Rosé 2007 (O’Rielly Cellars / Oregon) – a bunch of southern French varietals thrown in to a Rose? Roll the dice and see if you feel lucky. This is a dark Rosé of rose petal color, almost like a transparent red rose. Scent of cherries and red berries are forward in the aroma but finish with a mild earthen leave. In the mouth straight up it’s a bowl of red ripe cherries. Fruit forward and flavorful but not overpowering it has a mild drier finish that I really enjoyed. I had this side by side with the 2005 Murphy’s Law and while the ‘05 is earthier and a bit drier I feel the ’07 will appeal to a broader range of tastes. Chill with it or grill with it, and just be sure to give me a call when you do. $ 8-10/bottle

Bordecker Cellars Reflection Pinot Noir Rosé 2006 (Oregon) – This may be the Pinot Noir mini me! It’s a rusty northwest red/pink in the glass with even a light bit of funk in the nose. A Rosé with funk?!? Well I never, but it sure does. Big and strong for a Rosé while dressed in a pink sweater, don’t think this a light frilly Rose or it might just reach out of the glass and give you a slap! Dried but slightly bitter, bright cherries, with tannins and flesh, it finishes with the cherry pit in your mouth. All this in Rose? Definitely Willamette Valley pinot noir style. Bulk up, put on your best pink sweater, and drink till yer pink. I dare you not to be impressed by this emboldened mini Pinot Noir. $ 12/bottle

Amador Foothill Winery Sangiovese Rosé 2007 – This couldn’t be a Rosé, not with this color… Chinook salmon flesh orange? Are Rosé orange? Well this was, and with a rusty hue. This was a real treat and bonus pour via a generous person. Not only was the color unusual though. The aroma was a ripe ruby red grapefruit! I’m used to such citrus in white wine. This was a nicely dry Rosé with more ruby grapefruit and orange zest on the palate. Light somewhat delicate citrus and citrus floral on the palate I was won over by this Rosé gone Tropicana. It hasn’t made its way to Portland yet to my knowledge but when it does I’ll be thinking orange, er pink, er orange. Whichever it is and however you call it, it’s unusual and darned good! $ 12-13/bottle

Montes Cherub Syrah Rose 2007 (Argentina) – Another unusual find in a Rosé here. Think dark rose petal pink in color as the Syrah flexes its might. Still there is a rusty halo to this wine as well. Also in common with the Sangiovese Rosé was the aroma of ruby red grapefruit! I love citrus so I guess its all good news for me. However this did also throw in a slight understated strawberry. This is a really refreshing wine. Chilled and in the mouth, think of strawberry + ruby grapefruit juice together. Like the strawberry lemonade of my youth but without the sweetness. It’s zesty and slides across the palate in a dash to brighten up your day and awaken your senses. This light summer quaff goes high on the list for pure entertainment and nostalgia. $ 15/bottle