2017 Alfaro Family Vineyards, Rosé of Pinot Noir, Estate, Santa Cruz Mountains.
I recently tasted three brilliant California dry Summer Rosés that you should get on quickly, Lioco’s Rosé of Carignan, the Reeve Rosé of Pinot Noir, which I reviewed last week and Richard Alfaro’s Alfaro Family Vineyards Santa Cruz Mountains Rosé of Pinot Noir, always a favorite of mine and an awesome value. The Alfaro dry Rosé is well balanced and does have full Pinot flavors, while still being zippy, vibrant and cooly crisp, it’s just not overtly severe or stingingly acidic, great on it’s own for warm evening sipping pre dinner or beach/sunset quaffing. This 2017 is a pink Pinot with a depth of flavor and texture that is not all that common, the grapes were de-stemmed and placed in temp controlled tanks where the grapes’ own weight did the crushing, then after a very long 20 hours on their skins, the grapes were pressed and the juice was cold-fermented in a large stainless steel tank, which lasted about 4 weeks, with the wine then rested for 4 months in neutral oak, all of which goes a ways in explaining the wine’s completeness and mouth feel. It’s a serious Rosé from start to finish with a brightly vivid salmon/pink hue in the glass and a burst of distilled raspberry, watermelon, strawberry and zesty citrus, wet stones with lovely floral notes on the nose with lingering rosewater, mineral and a hint of spice on it’s steely frame, it comes in at just over 13% natural alcohol, which allows a fullness of expression and giving the impression of density, though still feeling light and refreshing on the palate. Complex and compelling all by itself, this Rosé certainly can match up with a variety of cuisine, from robust and spicy, perfect with BBQ and lighter fare as well including shell fish, poultry dishes and cured ham, stocking up while it lasts is a good idea, drink over the next 5 to 7 months, no need to wait.
($18 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive
