2011 Ojai California Rosé

(a blend of syrah, grenache and mourvedre, fermented entirely with whole clusters): Pale pink. Highly perfumed bouquet evokes dried red fruits, rose and musky herbs. Light and tangy on the palate, offering bitter red fruit flavors and a hint of blood orange. Closes with good energy and lift, leaving tart citrus notes behind. (11/ 2012)

From the winery: "We make our rosé just like a white wine, gently placing whole clusters of red grapes directly in the press without crushing first, and this produces a wine that is more aromatic and livelier. In the old days we used to make it dark, soft, and full to the point that it could have been confused with Pinot Noir. The wine was a meal in itself. But I have turned away from that style and now prefer rosés light and zippy- so much easier to slurp down with lunch on an unbearably hot day! This 2011 is made from Mourvedre (50%) from Vogelzang Vineyard in Santa Ynez, Grenache (25%) from Rich Vineyard in Ojai and Syrah (25%) from Roll Ranch in Ojai. Aromatically the wine is already showing pretty red fruit scents and possesses an underlying wildness that is so characteristic of Mourvedre. The flavors are relatively plush, but kept in balance by a refreshing crispness."