Dark Horse Limited Release Rosé 2015

Very light salmon color; strawberry, cherry, watermelon nose; red apple, cherry, strawberry on the palate;

nicely dry with excellent crisp acidity (3.34 pH)—this is no bubblegum rosé/blush pour. Good fruit, bright and refreshing, very crisp finish. Blend of 40% grenache, 20% barbera, 20% pinot gris and 20% tempranillo.

Winemaker Beth Liston favors boldness, and she achieves a vivid rosé with this effort. It is made in Provençal style—Provençe is the major producer of rosé wines in southeast France. The style includes lower-temperature fermentation (60-64 F) and aging in stainless steel, but she varies from Provençal style in selection of grapes. Most Provençal rosés are made with mourvèdre, which is not included in this effort.

Nice California pour. If you are enamored to white zin or sweetness in your rosé, this is not for you. The acidity and dryness make bold statements. It works as a summer picnic, friends in the backyard, kick-back-around-the-pool wine at a great price. $10

Dark Horse website (under construction at time of review)

Dark Horse Limited Release Rosé 2015