2016 Waxwing, Rosé of Pinot Noir “Blair Vineyard” Arroyo Seco, Monterey County.
Scott Sisemore’s Waxwing Wines just released an impressive set of new wines and it looks like this small handcrafted selection of offerings look like the best yet from Waxwing, especially noteworthy is the delicately pale orange/pink hued 2016 Waxwing Rosé of Pinot Noir from Blair Vineyard in Arroyo Seco. Sisemore tweaked his Rosé this year and it is really a serious effort, with the 2016 vintage he fermented whole cluster (pressed in stainless steel) then stirred the lees (weekly) vigorously (batonage) in neutral French Barrel for 3 months to add viscosity and mouth feel to this bright and vibrant Rosé. The 2016 Waxwing Rosé is all from Pommard clone 4 and there is a bit of Burgundy or Marsannay style going on here, it is dry and crisp, but with excellent mouth feel and texture showing ruby grapefruit, summer watermelon, sour cherry and strawberry fruits along with steely mineral, chalky stones, rosewater, bitter herb and orange zest. The cool nights and ocean influence add to bright acidity and vitality in this intriguing Rosé, the alluvial soils which are gravelly, sandy and silty which adds to the earthy notes and saline elements, giving a unique almost terroir driven character, making for a classy pink. There was only 2 barrels made and Waxwing has about 40 cases available, mostly sold through their website, and be sure to check out Waxwing’s new A la Volee Sparkling Riesling from Tondre Grapefield in the Santa Lucia Highlands as well as his Syrah and Pinot Noir.
($20 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive

By admin