Winemaker Hugh Chappelle makes this Rosé intentionally, with no saignée, and his goal is Provençal style with California soul. I would say he hits that target squarely in this dry, textured mix of strawberry, white pepper, and bay leaf aromatics and flavors. What makes this stand out in the crowd of Rosé is a little barrel use. 20% Acacia wood, 10% of which is new, and it’s toasted “low and slow” over embers rather than fast flamed. Chappelle says this regimen allows for wood texture without oak flavor characteristics. It works to great effect here, and it’s worth the few extra dollars in the category.
Quivira Vineyards, Dry Creek Valley (Sonoma County, California) 2022
By Rich Cook