WINE REVIEWS
2019
Chateau de L'escarelle
Chateaux de l’Escarelle is located less than an hour’s drive east of Aix-en-Provence in the midst of stunning protected countryside. The vines are planted in limestone soil on terraces separated by dry-stone walls at an altitude of up to 500 meters naturally following the shape of Escarelle’s hills and the Montagne de la Loube. The variation in altitude contributes to the terroir’s special character of very expressive, aromatic wines.
Made from a majority of Cinsault with the rest in equal parts of Grenache and Syrah. The color is light rose. The aromatics open beautifully with white flowers and a hint of vanilla on the nose. The palate reveals notes of strawberry, red current, dust and bright minerality, but is remarkably balanced. The lively acidity on the finish keeps it long and fresh. Great rosé as an aperitif or traditional Southern French dishes made with shellfish.
2019
Domaine des Diables
MiP "Made in Provence"
With 20 acres of vineyards, this estate lies at the foot of Mont Saint Victoire in the municipality of Puyloubier, near Aix-en-Provence was created by Michael Fabre in 1979. The estate is now managed by his daughter Virginie, her partner Guillaume and his son Aurelien. In recent years, a lot of resources have been invested in the domain, its wine cellars, vineyards and marketing. Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault and Rolle (Vermentino) are planted on the stony soil. Due to the warm and dry climate, few diseases occur in the vineyards, so that natural-friendly integrated agriculture can be applied. Sulfites are no longer added due to an oxygen-free production.
The color of this well-crafted rosé is pretty light salmon. It has a powerful bouquet of white flowers and red fruit with a hint of orange citrus. This rose´ has a medium body with delicate acidity on the palate. The freshness gives it an elegant and long finish. This is a perfect summer drink before dinner or accompanied with light Mediterranean dishes.
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By Perry Miroballi
2019
Paraduxx
Napa Valley Rose´
Goldeneye Vin Gris
of Pinot Noir
2019 Paraduxx Napa Valley Rose´: This blend of 94% Syrah and 6% Grenache gives this rose´ an outgoing temperament. The dark crimson hue opens to a dark fruit tart filled with mixed berries. It is concentrated and complex at the same time. The mid-palate is round, richly textured and reminiscent of a Volnay from the Cote du Beaune in Burgundy.
2019 Goldenete Vin Gris of Pinot Noir: This pair of wines from Duckhorn Vineyards are a fascinating duo of contrasting personalities. The Goldeneye Vine Gris of Pinot Noir is 100% Pinot Noir from the cool northern regions of Anderson Valley, California. It is a Cote de Provence look-a-like. With the Vin Gris method, the grapes are left in short contact with the skins imparting a faint color and a refined flavor profile. A very pale salmon color highlights aromas of stone fruits. Within are layers of pomegranate, cranberry and kirsch. It is savory and touched with fresh minerality along with a soft whisper of acidity.
2019 Balletto
Rose´of Pinot Noir
Winemaker Anthony Beckman continues to craft stylish rose´ from select vineyards of estate grown Pinot Noir. He is among the leaders in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. This 100% Pinot Noir based rose´ is sourced from select estate grown vineyard sites. It is crafted using maceration and saignee techniques resulting in an extremely fresh and vibrant wine. The delicate aroma of crème de cassis in this pale-pink rose´ leads you to a core of ripe mixed berries wrapped in spices. It is balanced and finishes fresh on the palate.
2019 Chemistry
Pinot Noir Rose´ Bubbles
This sparkling rose is an inaugural release and collaboration between the Stoller Family Estate and Chehalem Winery. Grapes are sourced from prime vineyard locations in Willamette Valley, Oregon. I didn’t know what to expect when trying this Oregon sparkling rose´, but I was thoroughly impressed with the craftsmanship in this wine. It is a compote of ripe, summer berries wrapped delicately together with some citrus fruits and gentle acidity. Its lively nature makes it the perfect patio compliment on a warm summer day.
2019 Stoller Family Estate
Pinot Noir Rose´
Bill Stoller grew up near Yamhill Valley, Oregon spending his childhood on his family’s turkey farm. He returned to his roots in 1993 purchasing a 373-acre turkey farm from his father and uncle and established Stoller Vineyards. Bill would release his first vintage in 1997. In 2018 he would become the sole owner of Chehalem Winery. Comprised of numerous clones of Pinot Noir, this wine is refreshing and juicy from the get go. It has a rose petal appearance revealing a concentration of wild berries intertwined with delicate savory notes and minerality. It is elegant on the palate with a background that is crisp and inviting.