Best Buy! During the past decade, winemaker Gilles Nicault has methodically nudged up the production while also gradually making it more snappy. For example, the 2013 vintage of Julia’s Dazzle carried nearly 9 grams of residual sugar. This latest release has no perceptible sweetness at a scant 3 grams (0.3%). As a result, it might be the best resemblance to those rosés from Provence that inspired Long Shadows Vintners founder Allen Shoup to launch this work with Pinot Gris. The generous nose hints at a fun mix of POG juice and tutti frutti. Inside, it’s seriously food-friendly yet still fruity. A bite of white peach and a spoon of cantaloupe provide a remarkable sense of body and complexity. A sense of seashells, a lick of peach pit and a nibble of nectarine skin ride out with a slice of quince. Suggested pairings include holiday turkey, salmon, a summer salad of arugula, beets and herbed ricotta or barbecue ribs.
Rating: Outstanding! Gold medal — 91 points
Production: 6,318 cases
Alcohol: 13.4%
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