Decanterberry Tales - A Willamette Valley Wine Blog - rose tag

Domaine Sorin, 'Terra Amata', Cotes de Provence, 2008

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 20:47:03 GMT

I really liked this nice, cheap rosé, so I'd like to go on about all the flavors and aromas. But that's the thing about this wine -- there isn't much to say and maybe that's why I liked this one. It's sort of like a refreshing soda lemon-lime drink -- only not sweet, and not bubbly.

The nose was strong lime! Maybe some cilantro, and perhaps a little grapefruit. But the taste was not sweet nor acidic. It was just easy-drinking goodness. Again, the finish was mainly that lemon-lime, and maybe there was a hint of grapefruit. But I don't mean to imply it was sour.

Oh, and it was cheap too: about $12.

Cost:

Rating: 7.5

Adelsheim, Rose, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir, 2008

Tue, 26 May 2009 03:52:41 GMT

This one was of the more memorable bottles of wine we tasted on the recent Memorial Day weekend wine tasting tour we took. It's one of the ones we actually purchased there on the spot. This is 100% Pinot Noir grapes (they remove the skins such that you get this pink color). Elk Cove also makes a 100% Pinot Noir Rose too, and I have to say that I like them both.

This one is notable for it's texture and mouthfeel -- it's almost oily, but I mean that in a good way. What I mean is that it's got some real body and weight to it.

The nose was lime and grapefruit, with a little strawberry and some peach. The taste was mainly guava. It's guava juice! Along with some grapefruit, passionfruit (maybe), and watermelon. The finish holds with the guava and lime. The acidity seems to come and go. Interesting. It's very smooth, as the acid is subtle.

Cost:

Rating: 8.0

Elk Cove Vineyards, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir Rose, 2008

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:48:30 GMT

We reviewed the 2006 version of this wine awhile ago; and rereading that review, there's not much to change (read it here). Yes, the wine has some subtle nuanced differences. But overall the theme is the same. I'm not usually a fan of rose wine. This wine smells a bit sweet, yet the it isn't. It's totally watermelon; it's slightly watered down and slightly alcoholic watermelon juice (I mean that in the best possible way). And this version is also very enjoyable, especially on a warm day.

I think this year's version has less vegetable hints. Though there are some other layers to this wine beyond just watermelon. I couldn't quite get my taste-buds around it. Something veggie and something herbal -- and yet just mysterious enough to be elusive. Bottomline: it's tasty and refreshing -- and perfect for a picnic.

Beware: I see this in the grocery store, and two weeks later, it's all gone. So if you're interested, and see it -- grab it.

Cost:

Rating: 7.5

Elk Cove Vineyards, Willamette Valley, Pinot Noir Rose, 2006

Sat, 23 Aug 2008 16:53:44 GMT

I'm normally not a rose fan; they're usually too sweet for me. But Pinot Noir rose? I had to give it a shot.

The nose was terrifyingly sweet. Totally watermelon, but with lemon. Then you taste, and it's light with and effervescence -- unexpected, but nice.

The taste is quick: some tangerine and pomegrante (not sour), and grapefruit. I smelled again, and there the watermelon returned, but it wasn't there on the taste. Phantom melons in my wine! And the sweetness I could smell, I did not taste (nice!). And then the finish. The fruit disappeared quickly, and you're left with something between vegetable and herbs -- hard to say, but probably artichoke and radicchio, and oregano and thyme. Very interesting.

Cost:

Rating: 7.5