As most readers already know, there are a great many Rosé wines released into worldwide markets these days. What not everyone would know is that many of the best ones are from unlikely locales rather than Provence or Tavel in the southeast corner of France. Lodi certainly qualifies as an unlikely locale, but this wine is utterly convincing in its balance, range of scents and flavors, and overall deliciousness. Blended from 35% Barbera, 29% Grenache Noir, 22% Sangiovese, and 14% Syrah, it shows lots of little nuances around a core of fruit recalling red berries and cherries. Truly dry but very flavorful, this is just flat-out terrific.
Oak Farm Vineyards, Lodi (California) 2023
By Michael Franz