2012 Gustafson Rose of Syrah

by Andrew Chalk

The trade figures show that we are drinking more rosé wines than we used to. I think that this has a lot to do with the improved quality of these wines as a class. An example of this new generation of rosé wines made with the same care afforded to white and red wines is the 2012 Gustafson Estate Rosé of Syrah, Heritage Tree Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California.

This high acid, high body example exudes strawberry flavors and a minerality that gives it a complex composite of textures in the mouth. It will be an easy food match with summer hors d’oeuvres and meats like ham or salumi generally. However, I think that one facet of rosés is their ease of quaffability on hot summer days.

This superior wines sells for $20 on the winery web site. I doubt that you will find it at retail. Output was a tiny 225 cases. Crave Recommended.