CS: July 2022

Shades of Pale: Sip these wines while working on your tan

Zerba Cellars 2021 Cockburn Vineyards Sangiovese Rosé, Walla Walla Valley

Shaded coral, this elegant complex wine presents layers of aromas - tangerine, peach, lavender and clover. The aromas repeat on an expansive palate, a crescendo of texture and flavor. An interesting hint of fresh grassiness and spring greens elevate the sweet fruit balanced with some oak influenced smoothness. $25

King Estate 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley

Pretty in ballet pink with aromas of a sea breeze drifting through an orange blossom field. Ripe peach, tart cherry and fresh strawberry blend on this well-balanced, easy to drink wine with a satisfying finish. $19

Apolloni Vineyards 2021 Rosé Nebbiolo, Tualatin Hills

If you shy away from timid rosé, this is the wine for you. Don’t let the sweet carnation pink fool you— this assertive rosé carries lots of oomph. The nose boasts purple plum, cherry and vanilla, with a dash of warmly spiced cinnamon sugar. Cherry takes center stage on the palate with Meyer lemon and vanilla. Dry, yet presents with a balanced fruity sweetness extending through a long finish. The rosé for those who think they only like reds. $28

Westmount Vineyard 2021 Pinot Noir Rosé, Willamette Valley

Pale golden pink with notes of marshmallow, vanilla, orange, pineapple and cream make for a decadent nose. “Ooh, Baby” was the response to the palate. A dangerously smooth wine with just enough of everything. Rich and luxurious with sweet navel orange and tangerine. A wine to keep you in the moment. $20

Potter’s Vineyard Vino Vasai 2021 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Laurelwood District

The precise shade of cherry chapstick, this rosé looks bold in color yet is somewhat shy on the nose with faint sweet dark cherry and vanilla. Opening on the palate, the vanilla intensifies, marrying with the cherry and a touch of sweetness to create a rich mouthfeel with a tart refreshing finish. $25

Season Cellars 2021 Transparency (50% Müller-Thurgau, 35% Muscat, 15% Riesling) Southern Oregon

Fun peachy, orange, floral and confected aromas. The lemon/lime flavored palate sees a repeat of those Muscat(y) aromas with a dash of rose cocktail syrup and enough fresh, prickly petillance for a delightful summer day wine. $22

Casa S Winery 2021 Block 3 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Straw gold in hue with aromas of apricot, persimmon, warm baking spice and custard. A food-friendly wine with presence and some weight on the palate. Apricot flavors blend with richness lifted by green bell pepper freshness and a welcoming hint of pith on the finish. $30

Abacela 2021 Grenache Rosé, Umpqua Valley

Liquid gold with floral notes of lilacs and roses. Sweet citrus aromas blend with strawberry and grapefruit. The sweet/tart palate opens with strong flavors of orange and tangerine which persist boldly with refined balance and a flavorful finish. $20

Durant Vineyards 2021 Lark Rosé of Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills

The color, peach Jolly Rancher, eludes to the touch of candied fun this wine offers. The nose entices with orange marmalade and the unmistakable salty sweet tang of a salt water taffy store nearby. Spritzy, prickly acidity lifts the flavor of blood orange. A touch of tartness balances the hint of sweetness across a flavorful finish. $30

Willamette Valley Vineyards 2021 Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Light salmon in color, this pretty rosé smells of fresh citrus blossom, lemon and rose. The mineral-driven palate is sophisticated, sleek and dry with salinity, ruby red grapefruit, red spring berries and a clean finish. $25