Wine reviewer Michael Chelus, who publishes the Nittany Epicurean blog, has been tasting wine and documenting his thoughts prolifically since establishing his website in 2013. An attorney based in New York, Chelus features a different wine daily with the exception of Sundays, when he instead shares a recap of his week and occasionally highlights from the worlds of food, wine, beer, cocktails and spirits.
As part of his ongoing coverage of Willamette Valley wines, Chelus recently reviewed our 2020 Prelude Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir, (he’s previously reviewed our 2018 Prelude and our 2016 Titan Pinot Noir) highlighting its “great acidity and balance.” In addition to the beautiful photos he snapped (above, at right, and below — we’re particularly taken with the little heart for Mother’s Day pinned to the door behind the glass in the photo to the right), here’s what else he had to say:
This wine is 100% pinot noir made from two clones – Pommard and 667. The fruit was cold soaked for 24 hours then pressed before being fermented in stainless steel. Following fermentation, the wine was aged for four months in neutral oak before bottling. It comes in at 13.5% ABV.
The wine showed a bright fuchsia color. Cherry, strawberry, raspberry and whiffs of peach could all be found on the nose. Cherry, strawberry, watermelon candy, pithy lemon and hints of blood orange followed on the palate where the ripe berries led the way to vibrant citrus. The wine exhibited great acidity and balance.
It was light-bodied and demonstrated good length. This wine would be perfect for enjoyment on the patio on a warm summer afternoon. It would also pair well with an array of charcuterie including Jambon Sec and pork rillette.
