2021 Prelude
Estate Vineyard ∞ Chehalem Mountains AVA Rosé of Pinot Noir
101 cases produced. $30
Sourced from the Bells Up vineyard, this fuller-bodied rosé is named for Franz Liszt’s “Symphonic Poem No. 3: Les Preludes.” Its equal parts heritage clone Pommard and Dijon clone 113 were soaked on skins for 40 hours, then lightly pressed prior to fermentation. It then underwent a malolactic ferment to smooth its acidity, yielding a full-bodied, highly complex and savory Rosé with balanced acid and fruit.
TECHNICAL NOTESNOSE: Strawberry, shortbread cookie, pink peppercorn, fresh carrot, tarragon, rose butter.
PALATE: Savory and sexy with full texture and a voluptuous finish. Hints of strawberries and cream, shortbread, fresh herbs, and minerality.
Owen Bargreen’s Review: Sourced from Pommard and Dijon clone 113 Pinot Noir vines, the 2021 ‘Prelude’ reveals a very bright color with a silky texture. Very nuanced and delicate red fruits greet you alongside kumquat zest and persimmon flavors with salty undertones. Complex and delicious to enjoy now, savor this at a slightly warmer temperature to revel in this Rose’s great range of flavors Drink 2022-2026 – 91
AdVINEture’s Review: We are starting to see a few more Rosés made with Pinot Noir and based on this example, it is a trend we would like to see continue. Medium/dark red in colour, it was made in the maceration method with 40 hours of skin contact. Classic Rosé notes give great varietal typicity: strawberry, red apple skin, hint of watermelon and a nice showing of mineral and spice. With medium body, medium acidity and lots of earthy complexity, this is a gastronomic Rosé setting itself apart from the run of the mill. A perfect pairing for oysters or ceviche. Excellent (particularly good value for this quality level)
Ellen Landis’ (Ellen on Wine) Review: The sparkling light-to-medium ruby hue shows off brilliant clarity, and the wine kicks off with an alluring spiced cherry nose. Juicy, bright and well balanced on the palate as Sweetheart cherries, red raspberries and savory berry compote notes are joined by brisk acidity. Hints of mandarin orange linger on the energetic finish.
WineRabble’s Review: Wow, talk about color! A 40-hour soak on the skins created a rosé that is most definitely candy apple red. Owner/winemaker Dave Specter allowed the wine to go through malolactic fermentation in neutral French oak barrels, creating a full, round mouthfeel. A hearty rosé with a long finish, I also discovered the wine became more and more tart as it warmed in my glass. Because of its heft, this rosé is a great bottle for people who claim to like only red wines. Brosé, anyone? Color: Candy Apple Red. Bouquet: Strawberry, Rainier cherry, green apple, lemon zest, raspberry jam, and strawberry Starburst candy. Palate: Strawberries and cream, bing cherry, lemon zest, green apple, raspberry, and red apple. Suggested food pairings: Grilled steak salad; Corn chip fattoush; and Chicken, spinach and artichoke quesadillas.
Jeff Kralik’s (The Drunken Cyclist) Review: Richer color here, a light red more than pink. Salinity and muted fruit on the nose with an agreeable palate loaded with fruit but a tartness that struggles slightly to keep up. Overall, though, a solid wine. Excellent. 90 Points.
Elizabeth Smith’s Review: “A Must-Try Estate Wine.” After a 40-hour soak on the skins and malolactic fermentation, this deeply colored rosé shines with juicy red berry flavors cradled in creaminess and savory spice. (This vintage still stands up to the mac and cheese and bacon cheeseburger mentioned in my previous story.)
