Coming up in October & November

This weekend, I am wrapping up the October issue of the Review of Washington Wines which goes on line Friday, September 24. It will be almost entirely about wines from wineries in the Walla Walla Valley, including Abeja, Walla Walla Vintners, L'Ecole No 41, Kontos Cellars, Yellowhawk Bubbles, Saviah Cellars, Vital, Brook & Bull and Pepper Bridge. It was't originally planned that way. We had planned a trip to Woodinville with a stop in Prosser but that got postponed. I was also going to include wines from Kerloo Cellars and DeLille Cellars, but the frenzy of this year's early harvest made the wineries too busy to ship wines, so they are going to be in the November issue, along with Convergence Zone Cellars, Guardian and others. From the Walla Walla Valley, there will new releases from Aluvé, Balboa and Canvasback.

More New Rosés

While Summer will be officially over in a couple of days, it's never too late to drink Rosé wines. Here are a couple of Washington Rosé bargains and a couple from France's Côtes de Provence region, plus one from Monterey, California.

2020 Chateau Ste. Michelle Rosé Wine, Columbia Valley ($15) - Light copper-pink colored, this possesses attractive aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, pink currants, pink rosed and pink lavender, with deliciously up front bright fruits and a pleasing, Provence-Like dry finish. A steal at $10.99. 18+/20 points. A full review to be in the October issue.

2020 Waterbrook Sangiovese Rosé, Columbia Valley ($15) - This shows a light copper-tinged pink color and fresh aromas of strawberry, Rainier cherry, tangerine and cherry and orange blossoms. The flavors are light yet deft, with grape skins, cherry stones a minerals, followed on the back with lightly pressed fruits and light alcohol (11.5%). Purchased for $9.99. 18/20 points. Full review in October.

2020 Château Saint-Michel d'Esclans Côtes de Provence Rosé ($13.99 - Albertson's) - This displays a brilliant copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pomegranate, tangerine, pink roses, orange blossoms and pink lavender. The flavors, as well, are appealing, with pink and orange fruits that are accented by grape skins and minerals. The back reveals fraise liqueur, pomegranate seeds and a twist of orange peel on the dry, nicely fruited finish. Terrific value. 18.5/20 points.

2020 Château Sainte Roseline, Côtes de Provence Rosé ($18.99 - Albertson's) - This comes in an unusual bulb footed bottle and is a real charmer. It shows a light copper-pink color and aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, tangerine, pink roses, pink lavender and pink incense. The flavors are appealing as well, with fresh, lively fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and Provençal hillside minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and a twist of orange peel on the way to a brisk, nicely fruited finish. "Very pleasant," says Lynn. 18.5/20 points.

2020 Diora "La Belle Fête" Rosé of Pinot Noir, Monterey ($13.49, Regular $20 - Albertson's) - This is a surprise winner that I picked up at the Walla Walla Albertson's. It presents a light pink color and lovely aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, pink currants, pink roses, cherry blossoms and whiffs of pink incense. The flavors are surprisingly mouth filling, with exquisite pink fruits that are accented by Pinot Noir grape skins, cherry stones and Monterey hillside minerals. The appeal continues on the back with fraise, cerise and cassis liqueurs and deft fruit acids and balanced alcohol (12.0%) on the lingering, lively finish. "Delicious!" says Lynn, jaw-dropping at the price, 3 stars, highest rating. 19/20 points.