Best Buy! This red Rhône variety is among the most expensive to work with in Washington state, yet it does produce some of the region’s top rosés. Many are priced higher than this bottling by John Freeman and his Waterbrook team in Walla Walla, who benefit from Precept family sites Canyon Vineyard Ranch and Alder Ridge. Here, the rosé is salmon rather than pink, and the delicate aromatics hint at red currant, pink grapefruit and Craisins with a pinch of Herbes de Provence and smoked paprika. There’s additional subtle complexity to the fun structure where the fruit rushes in with a blend of tangerine, dried pineapple and clementine, making for a tangy finish that surrounds the 0.38% residual sugar — just at the point where it might be perceptible to a few. Suggested pairings include steamed mussels as well as a meat and cheese plate with fresh vegetables.
Rating: 90 points — Outstanding!
Production: 10,000 cases
Alcohol: 12.7%
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