Our 2018 Rosé exhibits a delicately plush complexion. Its lively bouquet redolent of citrus blossom, strawberry, and green apple spun with a hint of cardamom, bursts energetically from the glass. The palate is embraced by notes of vanilla, soft rose petal, and supple stone fruit backed by a refreshingly cool granite snap and quenching acidity.
The 2018 vintage started slowly with the weather creating few complications for the developing grapes. The ideal climate allowed for an extended amount of time for the grapes to ripen, allowing for optimum flavor structure. This year presented a fairly mild growing season with few heat spikes, inspiring winemakers to push harvest back a few weeks. Even though more than an inch of rain fell in early October in many locations there was little impact on the quality of the fruit. The season ended desirably with warm days and cooler nights allowing the fruit to reach an optimal balance. 2018 could be remembered as one of the most desirable seasons in years, producing exceptional quality grapes throughout Sonoma County.
Fruit from some of our favorite old vine Zinfandel vineyards, along with fruit from our Wild Oak Estate Vineyard and select growers throughout the region are the source for this refreshing wine.
Our Rosé is made in the Provence style, using the saignée (French for bleed) method. This southern French style is considered by many to be the benchmark for dry rosés, producing wines that are fresh and crisp with a lovely blush color. Before fermentation begins, a small percentage of juice is bled off of the red skins before the skins can contribute much color or tannin. This special blend combines the saignée juice of Sangiovese and Zinfandel with touches of Chardonnay and Mourvèdre to add balance and additional flavor. The blend is fermented slowly in stainless steel tanks and then aged in neutral, red French oak barrels before bottling.