Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/832383
86 / the tasting panel / june 2017 ROSÉ REVEAL NUMBER THREE Layer Cake 2016 Pinot Noir Rosé, Central Coast, California ($15) 100% Pinot Noir Celebrated winemaker Jayson Woodbridge's first rosé is a solid but delicate Provence-style wine with a sweet strawberry nose. Bright, with a slate thread running through it, this Pinot Noir showcased a perfectly pink color. Grapes are picked from the win- ery's vineyards at Arroyo Loma and Alta Loma, which borders Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County as well as hilly vineyards in Santa Barbara County's Los Alamos area, not far from the Pacific. "We're a family-owned and -operated winery," pointed out Dana Manison, California State Manager for Hundred Acre Wine Group. Fermented in 100% stainless steel and picked earlier (and at a higher acid level) than Layer Cake's Pinot Noir, the crispness and acidity shines. Chris Thomas, Sommelier at Michael Mina, referred to the freshness akin to drinking a "fruit salad. It has wild strawberry and grapefruit zest running through. This speaks of California." ROSÉ REVEAL NUMBER FOUR Côté Mas 2016 Rosé Aurore, Languedoc, France ($11) 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Syrah Producer Jean-Claude Mas is the fourth-generation vintner to follow his family's Languedoc winemaking tradition, taking the helm of centuries-old Domaines Paul Mas in 2000. With its candied watermelon nose, clean palate of dried rose petals, spearmint, slate and lime, the blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah exhibited an Old World sense that most of the wine buyers picked up. And it's an easy drinker at 12.5% ABV. As with all five marques of rosé that Domaines Paul Mas produces, the grapes for this wine come from 12 family-owned estate and contracted vineyards. All of them are managed using principles of sustainability and biodynamics. Jean-Claude Mas also believes in using no sulfites during pickup and vinification, only small amounts during the actual bottling. In addition to four brands of still rosé, they produce an outstanding Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut St. Hilaire which is made using the méthode traditionelle with one year of sur pointe aging in the bottle. "This is my favorite wine of the tasting," exclaimed Michael Ploetz. "It's delicate and feminine with white flowers, rose petals and subtle melon and strawberry with a slight dry grip on the finish." Mark Guillaudeu, Sommelier at Roka Akor, admired notes of nectar- ine, red apple and a minerally freshness. He correctly guessed the wine to be from the South of France. ESPRIT DU VIN ROSÉ REVEAL NUMBER FIVE Murrieta's Well 2016 Rosé, Livermore Valley ($30) 55% Grenache, 45% Counoise Winemaker Robbie Meyer crafted this exquisite Rhône-style rosé from fruit sourced from the Hayes Vineyard at the winery estate in the Livermore Valley. This vineyard features the widest elevation range (between 560 and 860 feet) and most diverse soils on the property, and the grapes are farmed block by block. A small production of 1,450 cases, this wine was just released in February. It is available exclusively on-premise. "I farm these grapes specifically for the Rosé," offered Meyer. "For me, blending is the most exciting part of winemaking, allowing each varietal to develop its peak potential in the vineyard and then, through blending, I am truly able to put an artistic touch on the winemaking process." The group was divided in its guesses: some thought Provence, while others believed in the sunshine influence of California for its bright, clearly defined fruit character. Ousi Li, Wine Specialist at Flatiron Wine & Spirits, guessed correctly. "I really did pick up on the Grenache and Counoise," she said. "This is so juicy, with hints of rich cherry, lanolin, dried herbs and peach." Mourad's Jordan Abraham called out an opulence in the wine. "Very structured with pink flowers and a touch of white pepper," he added. WENTE FAMILY ESTATES Murrieta's Well Winemaker Robbie Meyer.