Not Just for Summer

Conventional wisdom has it that Rosé wines are for summer and that the current vintage should be drunk up by Labor Day. Quite to the contrary, Rosés can be drunk the year around. The French do that and at home, we do, too. Here are some that we have had recently that are still available. 

2018 Isabelle Garrault Sancerre Rosé, "Les Grands Monts" ($26.99 - wine.com) - Sancerre Rosé is made from Pinot Noir (unlike Sancerre Blanc which is Sauvignon Blanc). This one sports a bright pink-ruby color and lovely aromas of strawberry, raspberry and currant, with lively, nicely extracted flavors. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé, Pfalz ($13.99 - wine.com) - This German Rosé's a crowd pleaser (we had it at a luncheon with smoked ham). Light pink colored, it has attractive aromas of strawberries, cherries and currants with juicy, lightly extracted red fruit flavors that are accented by a distinct Pfalz minerality. A bargain at 13.99. 18+/20 points.

2018 Domaine de la Modorée Tavel Rosé ($31.99 - wine.com) - Tavel is situated near Avignon and the Rosés are predominately Grenache. We had this at our luncheon and everyone loved it. Copper-pink colored, it has enticing aromas of raspberry, currant and orange peel with beautifully balanced and extracted flavors. A great all-around Rosé. I ordered three more bottles. 19/20 points. Lynn - three stars, highest rating. 

2018 Maison L'Envoyé Beaujolais Rosé, "Le Saint Pâle" ($17.99 - wine.com) - Made from the Gamay Noir grape, this presents a light brick red color and attractive aromas of strawberries, red currants, pink roses and pink incense. The flavors are moderately extracted and nicely juiced on the dry finish. 18.5/20 points. Lynn, 2 stars.

2018 La Fleur de Mer Côtes de Provence Rosé ($16.99 - Safeway) - Predominately Grenache, this a charmer. Light copper colored, it shows expressive aromas of wild strawberries, orange peel, lavender and pink incense. The flavors are nicely extracted, with dustings of herbs and spices on the dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 AIX Côteaux d'Aix en Provence Rosé ($18.99 - Safeway) - This, too. is an attractive Rosé. Light copper-pink colored, it shows floral aromas of raspberry, currant, orange peel, lavender and pink incense. The flavors are lively and mouth-filling, with vivid red fruits and minerals. The vibrancy continues on the lightly spiced finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Conde Valdemar Rioja Rosé ($20 - Valdemar Estates) - We had this recently at Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla with tapas. Light copper colored, it possesses rich aromas of raspberry, orange peel and wildflowers. The flavors are deft and nicely crafted. Produced from Garnacha (70%) and Viura (30%). 18.5/20 points. 

2018 Lagana Cellars Pinot Noir Rosé, Walla Walla Valley, Breezy Slope Vineyard ($20 - winery) - Light copper colored, this offers enticing aromas of raspberry, cherry, red roses and whiffs of pink incense. The moderately extracted flavor are bright and juicy, finishing crisp and dry. 18+/20 points. 

2018 Seven Hills Dry Rosé, Columbia Valley ($18 - winery) - Predominately Cabernet Franc, this presents a light copper color and attractive aromas of raspberry, cherry, cranberry and whiffs of pink incense. The flavors are light and deft, with nice fruits and a pleasing dry finish. 18+/20 points.

2018 Julia's Dazzle Rosé, Columbia Valley ($17.99 - Safeway) - From Pinot Gris grapes given extra hang time to produce a copper-tinged Rosé, this possesses enticing aromas of raspberry, melon and orange peel, with vibrant fruit flavors, marked by bright acidity and a brisk, dry finish. 18.5/20 points. Lynn 3 stars. 

2018 College Cellars Rosé of Grenache, Columbia Valley ($18 - winery) - This is a delightful slightly sparking Rosé. It shows frothy bubbles, and a pink color and rose and lavender scents, along with lively red fruit flavors (strawberry, raspberry, currant) and touches of spice and minerals that finish nice and juicy. 18.5/20 points. Lynn 3 stars.

2018 Stoller Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley ($19.99 - Safeway) - This Oregon Rosé offers a light copper-pink color and lovely aromas of strawberry, cranberry, currant and pink incense. The flavors are fresh and lively, nicely extracted, especially on the crisp finish. 18.5/20 points.

2018 Rodney Strong Pinot Noir Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sonoma ($16.99 - Safeway) - We tried this California Rosé and liked it. It displays a brilliant copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, Rainier cherry, red currant, red roses and pink incense. The flavors are lively and nicely extracted, with a hint of spritz and sweet fruit on the finish. 18.5/20 points. Lynn 2 stars.