2017 ROSÉ ROUND UP: more wines than ever

"A number of high-end American wineries, especially in California and to some extent in Oregon, have set their sights on making premium Rosé, often with impressive success." Josh Raynolds, Vinous, June 2017

2016 Kale Rosé "Kick Ranch Vineyard"

Fountaingrove District, Sonoma County

91 points

Bright onion skin. A sharply focused, mineral-accented bouquet evokes fresh red berries and citrus fruits, along with suggestions of candied flowers and white pepper. Taut, penetrating and spicy; bitter orange pith and strawberry flavors are braced by a spine of acidity that adds back-end lift and cut. Finishes very long and minerally, leaving suave floral and red fruit notes behind.

2016 Kale Rosé "McGah Vineyard"

Rutherford, Napa Valley

90 points

Extremely pale orange. Aromas of candied orange, raspberry and pungent flowers pick up a subtle white pepper flourish as the wine opens up. Sappy and broad on the palate, offering juicy red fruit flavors that are given lift and cut by a core of tangy acidity. Shows good heft but comes off lithe and finishes with a strong echo of sappy red fruit and repeating florality.