2011 Swanson Vineyards Rosato

Mission Codename: Worth the wait

Operative: Agent Red

Objective: Return to Swanson Vineyards and secure the latest vintage of a Wine Spies’ Operative favorite, their stunning 2011 Rosato.

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Swanson Vineyards

Wine Subject: 2011 Salon Rosato

Winemaker: Chris Phelps

Backgrounder:

The Wine Spies are always on the hunt for the best wines that we can find. When it comes to Rosé , we are exceedingly difficult to please. Today’s wine comes to us from a Wine Spies favorite, Swanson Vineyards, whose delicious Rosato Rosé offers freshness and beautiful balance – making it an exciting summertime sipper.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Beautiful dark pink, with dark salmon-colored edges that glint when they catch the light. After swirling, tall, thick legs form high up on the glass wall, before sauntering slowly downward.

Smell – Sweet and savory and lush, with strawberry, raspberry and watermelon rind, up front. As the wine warms, even slightly, additional notes are released, including dried pink flower petals, white peach and soft mineral notes.

Feel – Soft on entry, then the wine takes on a medium bodied, crisp and lively feel. The wine gradually takes on a softly dry feel, with a slight slate minerality. The soft dryness spreads from the center of the palate, out to the lips and cheeks.

Taste – Bright and focused, with young strawberry, underripe raspberry, white peach and red flower petals providing the predominant notes. Allow the wine to warm and additional subtle flavors are released, including Rainier cherry, soft white spice, bramble, white pear and slate.

Finish – Ultra clean and very refreshing, this wine starts with sweet and tart flavors that fade very slowly. As fruit dwindles, faint white spice and a crisp minerality are left behind.

Conclusion – We have now had the great fortune to sample several of the last vintages of today’s extraordinary wine. Today’s brilliant 2011 Swanson Rosato is a delicious, balanced, flavorful wine that is the best Swanson Roasto that we have ever tasted. If you love a delicious, perfect for summertime Rose that has plenty of character, then we really encourage you to sample today’s very special wine. Sip it all on its own, or enjoy with a pepperoni pizza, hard cheeses or a wide variety of foods. This wine is as flexible as it is delicious. Don’t miss out!

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of Swanson Vineyards can be seen in this satellite photo.