Summer of Rosé: Part I

To get this summer off to a winning start, we embarked on a mission to find the most refreshing Rosés in the Napa Valley. We came, we tasted, we conquered. In this two-part blog, the Verve team along with a few special guests highlight the wines we sampled along with some select tasting notes, quotes, and photos. 

  

The Players 

From the Verve team: T, Emma, Rose, and Ali. We also had the pleasure of including our favorite concierge at Hotel Yountville, Peter, and newest Verve chauffeur and Wine Country expert, Don.

 

The Cheeses

 

Featured
Lorenza Rosé, 2013
Lorenza Rosé, 2013

Gorgeous pale salmon in color, crisp mineral finish, hint of grapefruit on the nose. 

Additional Notes: Use of Rhône varietals (a combination of Mourvedre, Carignane, Cinsult, and Grenache).

Quote: "Perfect for Bocce! No food required."—T

Price point: $20

Gabrielle Collection Rosé D'ete, 2012
Gabrielle Collection Rosé D'ete, 2012

Cabernet based, vibrant and deep  magenta in color, hints of raspberry and cassis, full-bodied.

Additional Notes: Only 70 cases made in 2012 (sold out), 2013 now available only to members due to small production.

Quote: "Complex minerality with hints of cassis, thyme, and lavender."—Don

Price point: $25

Blackbird Vineyards, 2013
Blackbird Vineyards, 2013

Inviting color, strawberry on the nose, excellent balance of acidity and fruit, dry in the best possible way.

Additional Notes: A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc.

Quote: "Love this wine's watermelon afterthoughts, and the way it invigorates the palette."—Emma

Price point: $25

Sequoia Grove Winery's Rollicking Rosé, 2013
Sequoia Grove Winery's Rollicking Rosé, 2013

Notes of strawberry, lightly sweet finish, perfectly ripe mouthfeel.

Additional Notes: 100% Syrah sourced from Stagecoach Vineyards.

Quote: "Makes you want to have another sip…or glass…or case!"—Rose

Price point: $22

Tamber Bey Rosé, Deux Chevaux Vineyard, 2013
Tamber Bey Rosé, Deux Chevaux Vineyard, 2013

Good weight, light on the palette, crisp finish, notes of red berries.

Additional Notes: The texture is round due to the aging in neutral barrels, but overall acidity offers a fresh finish.

Quote: "Now that's a good summertime wine!"—Ali

Price point: $28

Arnot-Roberts Rosé, 2012
Arnot-Roberts Rosé, 2012

Mandarin orange on the nose, aromatic, unique, notes of herbal spices and strawberry.

Additional Notes: Made from Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cão — two Portuguese grapes, grown locally in Healdsburg.

Quote: "This is distinctive, and I like that!"—Peter

Price point: $25

Check out the diverse spectrum of pink tones! (Fun fact: The shade can range from a soft, subtle hue to a vibrant, hot pink, depending on the grape used and how long the grape skins were in contact with the juice).


Stay tuned for Summer of Rosé: Part II, where we'll be sharing and documenting the final six Rosé wines in our lineup!