Dundee in the Summer, Part 3: White Rose
I think we got really lucky on the next choice. But I think I have to tangent for second ... I've had the St. Innocent "White Rose" Pinot Noir — twice. And both times, it was not worth near the money I paid for it. Now, I must qualify this. First, I'm a big fan of St. Innocent wines, and have bought many cases of their wines over the years and enjoyed my purchases. Second, I really suspect that both bottles that I had of their 'White Rose' were not kept well. I've read too many other reviews — raving reviews — so I really have to believe I was just unlucky in my sampling (albeit twice). I've been curious about White Rose ever since (was it my bad luck or not?). So off to White Rose we went.
Most vineyards are very majestic, and White Rose is right up there with the best of them. We had called ahead to be sure they would be open, and they assured us they were. Yet when we arrived, there was very little space to park; the road with the sign to the tasting room was blocked by barrels.
But we didn't despair. We found some gavel on which to park, all piled out, and entered the fermenting room. And alas: a table with wine bottles (hurray), yet no one else in sight (are we in the right place?)!
Turns out it was a slow day; they were in fact there, and a-tasting we went.
Dreamcatcher, Vista Hills Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2007
First up was the "Dreamcatcher". This is not an official "White Rose" wine. It's made by one of the wine makers there (in fact the dad of the guy pouring the wines). Just a personal project, and only two barrels made in total. This wine had a strong cinnamon, dust, earth,cherry, and white pepper. This was really good, and it was only $30; we picked up a few bottles in fact.
8.0
Mercotti's Milieu, Pinot Noir, 2007
The "Mercotti's Milieu" is a blend of various local blocks, including Durant, Vista, and White Rose. Wow, this was really smooth! The flavors were a little less spicy than the "Dreamcatcher"; it was more jammy and exhibited more fruit. We were thinking this would be a great with chocolate!
8.5
Quiotee's Lair, Pinot Noir, 2007
"Quiotee's Lair" also had that cinnamon, dust, and cherry like the "Dreamcatcher". It had a great balance to it. It was just ever-so subtly sweet (vanilla) – just perfect sweetness to it. And the finish was pepper.
Dragon's Bluff, Durant Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2006
"Dragon's Bluff" (Durant) was my personal favorite. It was really exotic and mysterious. Was it sweet orange? Mango and kumquat maybe. Orchid, begonia, and yet tropical. It had just a luscious taste, it was super smooth, and had great fruit. Yes, I bought some of this too.
9.5
White Rose Estate, White Rose Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2006
The "White Rose" was insanely smooth and well balanced — it's the flag ship bottle. It was subtle and elegant in every way. It was slightly less intriguing right after the intense Dragon's Bluff — I personally liked the taste of the Dragon's Bluff better, yet the quality here was really higher.
9.0
Dragon's Bluff, White Rose Vineyard, Pinot Noir, 2007
We had another wine — a wine that was only supposed to be available to the wine club members. It was also called "Dragon's Bluff", but this one was sourced from White Rose proper (instead of Durant). This one also was intense, but was more earth than exotic or tropical. Truffle, dust, hay, musty, nutmeg, manure, lavender, leather, and tobacco. It was also super smooth, yet it had a slight tartness at the end. Though, it was just released days earlier.
I have to say that I honestly found these wines on this day to be more enjoyable than the ones we had at Domaine Drouhin (blasphemy!). But that's the honest-to-god truth. I receive a modest amount of "free" wine — wine shipped to me for reviewing — yet I joined the Wine Rose buyer's club on the spot as well as buying a number of bottle then and there. Just saying, I'm putting my money where my mouth is. And yes, I hope to go back again this summer just to ensure I wasn't crazy. White Rose was really exceptional.