Vinification notes:
This Rosé was produced using the traditional saingée method. A portion of the juice was bled from the syrah and grenache fruit after six hours of skin contact. This resulted in improved color due to the increased in the skin to juice ratio in the remaining syrah and grenache. Malolactic fermentation was inhibited and the wine was aged in stainless steel tanks for six months.

Sensory Notes:
Our 2007 Rosé is the quintessential picnic wine! From its bright ruby hue to its aroma of honeysuckle and ripe summer fruit, this is a stunner. Slight citrus notes and intense strawberry flavors combine to give this wine a delightfully round, refreshing mouthfeel. The crisp, dry finish lingers just long enough to entice your palate for the next sip. Best served chilled, preferably outdoors with friends and/or lovers. Drink now through spring 2009.

Vineyard Notes:
Syrah and grenache fruit from the Alexander Valley was the basis for this rose. Our Big River Ranch is perched directly above the meandering Russian River. This property’s unique location at the southern tip of the Alexander Valley gives it a slightly cooler climate and the ability to grow big, complex syrah and grenache fruit.

Vintage Synopsis:
For most of Sonoma County, the 2007 vintage was like two harvests in one. The crop level was lighter and harvesting began slightly earlier than previous years. Our Big River syrah and grenache were allowed ample hang time to develop into dark, well-balanced fruit. The ripeness and intensity of these grapes also made conditions excellent for Rosé production. Good acid and moderate sugar resulted in a wine with bright summer flavors that still retain the character of the constituent varietals.

Strictly limited production. 300 cases produced.