Southwest Washington vintner Gary Dunbar produces nongrape wines under Sweet Mountain label, yet he shows some skill with Pinot Noir for the rose on his brand that pays homage to Mount St. Helens. Aromas of prickly pear and blood orange lead to scintillating flavors of strawberry-rhubarb pie and cranberry, which are backed by tangerine acidity and blood orange pith. That combination easily balances the residual sugar that’s listed just below 1%. There is plenty of whimsy on the bottle of this dry rosé, which is available at their tasting room in Castle Rock, just off Interstate 5.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 100 cases
Alcohol: 12.9%
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