2015 Signal Ridge Vineyard “White Zin” Dry Rose of Zinfandel, Mendocino Ridge.
Though the name is playful and ironic, this is serious stuff with a vibrant dry character, very removed from the sweet blush almost pancake syrup style of white Zinfandel that is made for people that hate wine! Stephanie Rivin and team at Signal Ridge Vineyard are making some really well made wines way up in the Mendocino Ridge AVA above the Anderson Valley in the wilds of Mendocino County, this family run and hand crafted producer makes a lovely set of offerings, including a great Carignane, Zinfandel, some bubbly, a crisp Chardonnay and a superb Pinot Noir. This “White Zin” Dry Rose is the latest and was done on a whim, it has turned out remarkably well and bone dry brisk. Rivin needed the grapes ripe, but with vigorous acidity and nature provided the raw material to get this fun pink done, at 13.7% it is not a wimpy Rose, but it is seriously dry and vital with a refreshing bitter/savory kick and lingering stony elements to go along with juicy citrus, watermelon, sour cherry and hints of raspberry as well as rosewater, fennel and sage. This is one of the best Zin roses I’ve tried, the steely mineral and mouth watering saline and chalky wet rock complexity sets it apart and it already has me chuckling at the thought of serving “White Zin” to my friends, this is a cool wine, look for it and drink without pretense over the next 6 months to a year, impressive again from a winery to watch!
($17 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive
