Rick and Debbie Johnson’s multi-layered operation in Walla Walla, which includes lodging, vineyard and wine program, takes a Rhône approach to this lightly salmon-colored rosé. It started Oct. 5 with Syrah from Walla Faces Estate Vineyard, a lofty site in the Walla Walla Valley at 1,360 feet elevation along Wheat Ridge Lane. Next came co-fermention with Viognier (20%) from Dwelley Vineyard, a site established in 200, a year after Walla Faces was planted. That influence of Viognier accounts for the aromas of cotton candy, pineapple and butterscotch with Rainier cherry. Inside, there’s more pineapple and butterscotch on the entry, which leads to a midpalate of apricot, white strawberry and pink raspberry. It’s finished dry with pleasing balance, done in the style of a Provence rosé with a touch more mouth feel. There’s added fun on top with the Vino-Seal glass cork. Their winery and tasting room is part of the Piper Avenue incubator complex near the Walla Walla airport.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 72 cases
Alcohol: 11.9%
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