This has been an unusual year for the release of the 2021 vintage Rosés, both from America and Europe. Domestic Rosés, especially ones from Washington State came out as early as February and most by May. European ones took longer than usual to reach American shores due to supply, production and shipping delays, with many arriving on shelves in July and August.

Nevertheless, we have tasted over a hundred 2021 Rosés. Many have been pleasant, quaffable wines, suitable for summer drinking. Some were more serious, food wines that draw attention, ones which will keep well beyond the summer season.

Here's our listing of the more noteworthy 2021 Rosés, including a few more new reviews. Others may turn up and will be reviewed in upcoming postings. But, for the most part, this is our wrap-up.

New Reviews

2021 Domaine Lafond "Epine" Tavel Rosé ($19.99 - wine.com) - This is a super buy in a Rosé for near Avignon, composed of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and other varieties. It shows a brilliant copper-crimson color and striking aromas of fraises de bois, red currants, blood orange, crushed rose, orange blossoms, sweet pea flowers, and spiced pink incense. The flavors are more extracted than usual, yet deft, with notes of grape skins and Rhone Valley minerals. The back picks up fraise and cassis liqueurs and recurring orange peel, followed by a dry, lightly spiced finish. Lynn: "I love it - 3 of 3 stars. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Château Pradeaux Côtes de Provence Rosé ($28.99 - wine.com) - Brilliant copper-orange colored, this possesses beguiling aromas of bayberry, apricot, blood orange, currant, cantaloupe, orange blossoms, day lily and orange incense. The flavors, as well, are attention-getting, with yellow, red and orange fruits that are accented by grape skins, fruit stones and hillside minerals. The back picks up orange peel and melon rind, followed by a viscous yet vibrant dry finish, lifted by bright fruit acids. "This wine is to die for," says Lynn - 3 stars. 19/20 points.

2021 Domaine de Terrebrune Bandol Rosé ($38.99 - wine.com) - From east of Marseille, this is a striking Rosé. It displays a brilliant copper-pink color and lovely aromas of wild strawberry, red currant, pink grapefruit, pink flowers - roses, lilac, lavender - and whiffs of pink incense. The flavors, as well, are dramatic, with deftly extracted grape skins and calcareous minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with fraise and cassis liqueurs and grapefruit peel, followed by a lingering typically dry yet finely fruited finish. Lynn: 3 of 3 stars. 19+/20 points.

Best Buys

2021 14 Hands Rosé, Columbia Valley ($18) - New Review - This is a super buy when purchased for $12.99. It shows a brilliant copper-tinged pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, watermelon and pink grapefruit with scents of orange tree blossoms and summer flowers. The flavors are fresh and lively, with pink fruits that are accented by grape skins, cherry stones and melon rind. The back picks up fraise liqueur and grapefruit peel, followed by a nicely juiced finish. Lynn: "I'm a happy camper. 3 of 3 stars. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Underground Wine Project Mr. Pink Rosé, Columbia Valley ($15) - Reviewed in the June Review of Washington Wines 18+/20 points.

2021 Barnard Griffin Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley ($15) - When purchased for $9.99, this is a bargain. - Reviewed July. 18+/20 points.

2021 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado ($20) - This Spanish Rosé is a super buy when purchased for $17.99 at Esquin. Review Blog 16 July. 18.5/20 points.

Rosé Wine Deal of the Month

Yesterday, we were at Saviah Cellars to taste the Fall Releases. They happened to have the winery's value brand Rosé on sale by the case for $72. It's hard to beat at a mere $6 a bottle.

2021 The Jack Rosé, Columbia Valley (Regular: $15) - Composed of 78% Grenache, 13% Syrah and 9% Mourvèdre, this offers a brilliant pink-peach color and attractive aromas Gofnstrawberry, watermelon, tangerine, summer flowers and orange blossoms. The flavors are light and fresh, with notes of grape skins and melon and orange rinds. On the back and finish, fruit acids keep the wine fresh. Will drink nicely at least until the end of the year. 18/20 points.

The Top 2021 Rosés

Below are wines scoring 19/20 points by me and 3 stars by Lynn. Others above.

2021 Avennia "L'Egerie" Rosé, Columbia Valley ($28) - This 75% Grenache 25% Mourvèdre combination is the best Washington Rosé tasted. Will drink well until at least the end of the year.

2021 Tablas Creek "Patelin de Tablas" Rose, Paso Robles ($32) - Purchased for $27.99 at Esquin, this is the best California Rosé tasted, Produced from 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 20% Mourvèdre. Reviewed in the 16 July Blog.

2021 Domaine de Pagnol Cassis Rosé ($33 - The Thief, Walla Walla, $34.99 - wine.com) - From near Marseille, this is the best French Rosé. Reviewed in the 30 June Blog.

The Most Ageworthy Rosés

While many Rosés should be drunk young while they are still fresh and vibrant, there are some that will keep well into next year. Here are some.

Bandol - The predominately Mourvèdre Rosés from this Appellation are more structured and longer lived than those of the Côtes de Provence. See above for highly recommended ones.

Tavel - From near Avignon and predominately Grenache, the Rosés are of mid term age worthiness. The should drink well in spring.