More Rosés: Sparkling and Still

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We love Rosé wines, not just for spring and summer, but for fall and winter. Here are some we've had recently, some bubbly as well as still ones.

Sparkling Rosés

N.V. Chateau Ste Michelle Sparking Brut Rosé ($18) - We had this at the Nordstrom Grill in Spokane last week. It showed a brilliant copper-tinged pink color, streaming bubbles and attractive aromas of strawberry, cherry, orange peel and cherry blossoms. The flavors were fresh and vibrant, with pink fruits that were accented by grape skins, cherry stones and light minerality. The back picked up red liqueurs andorange peel, followed by a dry finish. Super value when purchased for $14.99. 18/20 points.

N.V. Chateau Ste Michelle "Luxe" Sparkling Brut Rosé ($25) - As "Luxe" suggests, this is an upscale version. It shows a brilliant pink-tinged copper color, streaming bubbles and lovely aromas of strawberry, cherry, blood orange, cherry blossoms. pink lilac and orange incense. The flavors are bright and exquisite, with orange and pink fruits that are intermixed with grape skins, cherry stones and minerals. On the back, the wine is enlivened by fraise and cerise liqueurs, orange peel and CO2, followed by a dry Brut finish. Purchased for $18.99. 18.5/20 points.

N.V. Domaine Tissot Crémant du Jura ($30 - The Thief, Walla Walla) - This is high elevation Crémant from the foothills of the Alps. Composed of 60% Pinot Noir and 20% each of Poulsard and Trousseau (indigenous grapes), it shows a copper-pink color and fragrant aromas of strawberry, cherry, currant, cherry blossoms and orange peel. The flavors are exquisitely wrought, with pink fruits that are accented by grape skins and alpine minerals. The back picks up fraise and cerise liqueurs and orange peel on the way to a CO2 enlivened bone dry (zero dosage) finish. 18.5+/20 points.

N.V. Luc Belaire "Luxe" Brut Rosé ($32.98 - Super 1) - This French Sparkling Rosé displays a brilliant copper-pink color, streaming bubbles and floral aromas of strawberry, cherry, orange, cherry and orange blossoms and whiffs of pink incense. The flavors are deftly wrought, with gently pressed fruits, cherry stones and orange peel. The back is enlivened by bright fruit acids and CO2, followed by an exquisitely balanced dry finish. 18.5+/20 points.

2020 Cleto Chiarli Lambrusco di Sobara Secco ($22 - The Thief) - From Emilia-Romanga and made from the Lambrusco grape, this displays a brilliant copper-crimson color, streaming bubbles and aromas of strawberry, cherry, pomegranate and blood orange, with scents of roses, lavender and orange incense. The flavors are brisk and mouth filling, enlivened by grape skins and CO2. On the back, the wine is brightened by cherry liqueur, pomegranate seeds and orange peel on the dry, zingy moderate alcohol (11.5%) finish. 18.5/20 points.

Still Rosés

2021 A to Z Wineworks Oregon Rosé ($17) - This attractively-styled, like the flower label. Sangiovese based, it shows a brilliant copper-tinged pink color and floral aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, pomegranate, cherry blossoms, pink lilac and orange peel. The flavors are bright and lively, with notes of grape skins, cherry stones and minerals. The back picks up red liqueurs and a twist of orange peel on the crisp, well-fruited finish. Lynn" 3/3 stars. 18.5/20 points. 

2021 Simi "Editor's Collection" Rosé, Sonoma County ($19) - Composed of 91% Pinot Noir, 7% Chardonnay and other varieties, this is a charming Rosé. It shows a pink-tinged copper color and attractive aromas of strawberry, watermelon, blood orange, pink roses and pink incense. The flavors are bright and fresh, with notes of peach stone and saline minerals. The back picks up fraise and pêche liqueurs and melon rind, followed by a juicy acid finish. Purchased for $30.99 at Safeway (excessive middleman markups?). Lynn: 3 of 3 stars. If you find it for under $20, buy it. 18.5/20 points.

2021 La Vielle Ferme Rosé ($14) - This French Rosé delivers a lot for its modest price ($9.99 at Safeway). It offers a light copper-pink color and attractive aromas of strawberry, cherry and orange peel, with scents of pink roses, orange blossoms and pink incense. The flavors are bright and fresh, with notes of grape skins and cherry stones. The back picks up fraise liqueur and orange peel on the way to a brisk, juicy dry finish. 18/20 points.

2021 Osatau Rioja Rosado ($17 - The Thief) - From the Rioja Alavesa District, this organic Rosé offers a copper-pink color and floral aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, orange peel, cherry and orange blossoms, lavender and orange incense. The flavors are deft and nicely extracted, with notes of grape skins, cherry stones and Sierra Cantabria minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with cherry liqueur and orange peel, followed by a nicely fruited dry finish.  Super value. 18.5/20 points.

2021 Conde Valdemar Rioja Rosé ($25) - Composed of 92% Garnacha and 8% Mazuelo, this offers a brilliant copper-tinged pink color and floral aromas of strawberry, pink cherry, pomegranate, red currant, pink roses, gardenia and orange peel. The flavors, as well, are alluring, with pink fruits that are accented by grape s=kins, cherry stones and minerals. The vibrancy continues on the back with strawberry and currant liqueurs, pomegranate seeds and orange peel, followed by a lingering dry finish. "I can't get over it,! says Lynn - 3 of 3 stars. 18.5+/20 points.