2015SkylarkRose2015 Skylark, Pink Belly, Rose of Grenache, Mendocino County.
One of the nicest California Rose wines of the new season so far is Skylark’s tasty Pink Belly, made from old vine whole cluster fermented Grenache from Mendocino, this wine was crafted just to be pink with early picked grapes and is a lovely crisp effort from Robert Perkins, Boulevard Restaurant’s ex-Somm and one of the nicest guys in the business. Tasting with Rob through the lineup of Skylark was a treat, especially exciting were his Pinot Blanc 2015, the 2013 Red Belly Carignane, Syrah and Grenache blend and this wonderful new release of Pink Belly. The light pink/salmon hue shines in the clear bottle and in the glass with light catching delicacy and it is an energy filled and mineral fresh wine on the palate with watermelon, tart cherry, tangy citrus and strawberry along with rosewater, spice, dried lavender and saline rich wet stones. This is a really sexy Rose and maybe the best yet from Skylark, don’t wait on this one, Perkins says the response has been unreal, and I can understand completely, it is should to sell out within weeks. The acidity and vitality in the Pink Belly make for a super refreshing, lighter weighted style, but no less flavorful and compelling, a pure summer sipper. Also look for Skylark’s Las Aves Priorat (Spanish) style red blend, a beautiful Cabernet, Syrah, Carignane and Grenache hybrid that for about $30 is perfect for the main course after the Pink Belly Rose runs dry!
($17 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive

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