It’s that time of year again when pink reigns supreme, from sun-kissed cheeks and blushing sunsets to everybody’s favorite summer wine trend. Winemakers unleashed their new vintages of blushing wines in late spring, showcasing them at events during May like “Drink Pink” held at Novelty Hill-Januik in Woodinville, Rosé Revival at the Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland, and the Jet City Rosé Experience in Seattle.
Because rosé is not aged in oak barrels, it is one of the least expensive wines for a winemaker to produce — it can be made, bottled, and sold within a few months. That’s why you should never pay more than $30 for a rosé — more expensive does not necessarily mean better quality when it comes to rosé.
Novelty Hill-Januik
2018 Spring Run Rosé
(Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre)
Columbia Valley; $18
Fruity with pomegranate and a
dash of spice.
Stoller Family Estate
2018 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Rosé
Willamette Valley; $25
Strawberry-kiwi with Rainier cherries and
stone fruit on the palate.
II Vintners
2018 Have a Nice Day Rosé
(Grenache, Cinsaut)
Columbia Valley; $25
Light-bodied and crisp with
pink grapefruit and strawberries.
Forgeron Cellars
2018 Pink Rabbits Rosé of Syrah
Columbia Valley; $25
Strawberry and raspberry with a
zesty finish.
Love That Red
2018 Love That Rosé (GSM)
Columbia Valley; $20
Pink grapefruit, clean and full of zip.
Tertulia Cellars
2018 Tempranillo Rosé
Walla Walla Valley; $20
A red fruit jubilee with cherries
and strawberries.
Chateau Ste. Michelle
2018 Rosé
Columbia Valley; $15
Fruity with watermelon and raspberry,
but dry and crisp on the finish.
WillaKenzie Estate
2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir
Willamette Valley; $28
Passionfruit and zested grapefruit with minerality and luscious mouth feel.
Patterson Cellars
2018 Rosé of Cabernet Franc
Yakima Valley; $22
Dry and balanced with strawberries
and roses.
Long Shadows Vintners
2018 Julia’s Dazzle Rosé of Pinot Gris
Columbia Valley; $18
Orange blossoms, strawberries, ripe melon, off-dry finish.
