Three weeks ago, in my posting of 11 June, I listed the 2019 Rosé wines we have tasted so far (scroll down below to see it). Below are some more we have tried since then, including three from France, the first 2019s from that country. 

When picking Rosé wines to buy, keep in mind that there is a wide range of types and styles, depending on the grape varieties used and how they are vinified. The intensity of color is not always an indicator of extraction and body. And styles can range from very dry to medium dry. In writing my descriptions, I try to indicate the wine's character and style. The scores reflect the wines quality apart from their styles. So read the notes to determine which wines best fit your preferences which, especially when it comes to Rosés, can be highly subjective.

New in the Upcoming August Issue

2019 Itä Rosé of Primitivo, Walla Walla Valley, Les Collines Vineyard ($25) - Fermented and aged in stainless steel after six hours' skin contact, this shows a light copper-pink color and expressive aromas of strawberry, cherry, pink peach, tangerine, pink roses and lightly spiced incense. The flavors are nicely extracted and textured with a dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Gifford Hirlinger Estate Rosé of Pinot Gris, Walla Walla Valley ($20) - With five days on skins before pressing, this shows a copper-pink color and expressive aromas of strawberry, cherry, red currant, tangerine cherry blossoms and pink incense. The flavors are deftly extracted, more than usual, and a finely fruited dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley ($15) - This features a light copper-pink color and fresh aromas of strawberry, Rainier cherry, tangerine, pink roses and pink incense. The flavors are brisk and lively, followed by a crisp finish. Purchased for $10.49 which makes it a bargain. 18/20 points.

2019 College Cellars Rosé of Grenache, Walla Walla Valley ($20) - A delightful slightly sparkling Rosé, with a copper-tinged pink color and ripe, fresh aromas and flavors with a sprightly freshness from the infused CO2. Touches of fraise and cassis liqueurs preface a zingy finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Nefarious Cellars Rosé, Lake Chelan ($22) - This 70% Syrah, 30% Pinot Noir combination is more extracted than usual. I displays a brilliant copper color and intriguing aromas of raspberries, rhubarb, currant, blood orange, orange blossoms, lavender and incense. The flavors are striking, picking up creme de cassis and Grand Marnier liqueurs, followed by a dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Hard Row to Hoe Grenache Rosé, Lake Chelan ($22) - Brilliant salmon-pink colored, this possesses floral aromas and fresh, lively flavors with moderate extraction (slow cold fermented), accented by melon rind, pomegranate seeds and glacial minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs and a twist of tangerine zest, followed by a nicely fruited finish. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Tertulia Cellars Estate Rosé, Walla Walla Valley ($22) - Produced from 100% Tempranillo, this shows a light copper-pink color and enticing aromas of strawberry, Rainier cherry, watermelon, tangerine, lavender and incense. The flavors are bright and juicy, deftly extracted, with notes of cherry stones and minerals, followed by a nicely fruited moderate alcohol (11.9%) finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2019 Fly Rod Cellars "Pink Pollywog" Rosé of Mourvèdre, Wahluke Slope ($20) - This features a brilliant copper-pink color and lovely aromas of strawberries, Rainier cherries, red currants. lavender and pink incense. The flavors are vivid and nicely extracted, with notes of grape skins, cherry stones and Wahluke Slope minerals, followed by a pleasingly juicy dry finish. 18.5/20 points. 

2019 Time & Direction Rosé of Grenache, Columbia Valley, Thunderstone Vineyard ($22) - This "Cheat Code" Rosé offers a salmon-pink color and striking aromas of strawberry, Rainer cherry, red currant, orange peel, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are bright and lightly extracted, with fraise and kirsch liqueurs and a twist of tangerine peel, followed by a vivid, dry finish. 18.5/20 points.

Full reviews to be in the August issue, on line July 25.

New From France

The tariff on French Rosés has turned out to be not as bad as expected. A 50% tariff was threatened, but ended up at 25%, much of which has been absorbed by growers. Here are three new ones.

2019 Gérard Bertrand "Côté des Roses" Languedoc Rosé ($15.99 - Safeway) - This Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre combination displays a light copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, tangerine, red currant, spring flowers, lavender and pink incense. The flavors are bright and fresh, with lightly extracted grape skins, pomegranate juice and Languedoc minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs and orange peel on the pleasingly juicy dry finish. 18/20 points.

2019 Minuty "M" Côtes de Provence Rosé ($18.99 - wine.com) - Light copper-pink colored, this possesses attractive aromas of strawberry, white cherry, red currant, tangerine, pink roses, pink lavender and Provencal herbs. The flavors are fresh and lightly extracted, accented by grape skins, cherry stones and gravelly minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and a twist of tangerine peel, followed by a nicely fruited dry finish. Fine value. 18.5/20 points.

2019 Château de Sêgeriès Tavel Rosé ($25.99 - wine.com) - This is not a pale, light Rosé. Lynn calls it "deep Rhone." It possesses intense aromas of fraises de bois, pomegranate, red currants, orange peel, wild roses, lavender and exotic incense. The flavors are deliciously mouth filling, bursting with red fruits that are infused with grape skins, pomegranate seeds and stony Provence minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a vigorous, well-fruited dry finish. 19/20 points.