By Alison Bailin Batz
There’s no better time than patio season to enjoy these lighter-bodied, highly drinkable wines than now.
2018 Epoch Rosé
Epoch Estate Wines (Paso Robles)
Take time to smell (and taste) the rosé this spring! Taking inspiration from the rosés of southern France, Epoch’s pink has us all obsessed and the 2018 delivers on all levels. From pink grapefruit, ripe lime, honeysuckle blossom, pink rose, rhubarb, crushed gravel and guava, there is so much going on in this delicately hued rosé that there are no limits to where and how to enjoy it. Just get it while it lasts.
epochwines.com
2018 Balletto Vineyards
Pinot Gris
Balletto Vineyards (Santa Rosa)
This distinctive wine opens with stone fruit and citrus but quickly morphs into something more savory, serious and delicious. The mouthfeel is a contrast of zingy lime against a surprisingly rich, velvety viscosity. Subtle tannins and minerality add texture and extend the wine for an incredible and lengthy finish, in terms of texture and flavor.
ballettovineyards.com
Smoke Tree Rosé
Smoke Tree (Sonoma)
Fresh and vibrant, Smoke Tree Rosé offers aromas of rose petals, grapefruit and nectarine. The palate continues with flavors of strawberry, passion fruit and lemon woven together with elegant acidity. The finish is crisp and refreshing.
smoketreewines.com
2017 Chardonnay
Carlson Creek Vineyard (Willcox)
Carlson Creek Vineyard’s 2017 Chardonnay has hints of citrus, Willcox-grown apples and melon on the nose. The palate reveals a bit of nuttiness under baked pear and a lovely supple quality from sur lie aging. Whole cluster pressed, aged in stainless steel and neutral French barrels for 10 months on the lees with full malolactic fermentation.
carlsoncreek.com
Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier 2017
Pine Ridge (Clarksburg)
With notes of honey and stone fruit on the nose followed by bright acidity on the palate, CB+V is the perfect accompaniment to spicy, savory Asian cuisine. Pine Ridge is the first to marry these varietals 20 years ago to create this distinctive blend as part of an experimental bottling, which ultimately has become one the most popular wines.
pineridgecbv.com
2018 Soda Rock
Sauvignon Blanc
Soda Rock Winery (Alexander Valley)
A zesty lemon-lime essence fills the nose, while traces of dried herbs add a savory dimension to the aroma. The silken entry reveals mouthwatering flavors of pomelo, lemon, passionfruit and kiwi. A round texture beautifully balances the refreshing acidity.
sodarockwinery.com
2018 Sauvignon Blanc
Taft Street Winery
(Russian River Valley)
This Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc is refreshingly crisp, the bouquet perfumed with hints of green apple and white peach. A fine mineral edge frames citrus flavors of key lime and grapefruit, while lively acidity provides a polished, lingering finish.
taftstreetwinery.com
2018 friends.white
Pedroncelli (Geyserville)
Literally named because it is wine to be shared with friends, this boasts the enticing combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurztraminer. As a result, it is aromatic, floral and even a little fruity.
pedroncelli.com
Gewurztraminer 2018
Paul Mathew Vineyards
(Russian River Valley)
Expect lots of floral notes in the nice, followed by spice, lychees, ginger and a hint of fresh thyme. Upon tasting, enjoy hints of passion fruit, lychee and grapefruit dominate this classic style Gewurztraminer.
paulmathewvineyards.com
Armida 2018 Sauvignon Blanc
Armida Winery (Russian River Valley)
Peaches, pear, guava and jasmine aromas explode from the glass. The wine begins on the palate like taking a fresh bite out of a crisp pear. Sweet apricot and green apples dance along the tongue. The limey, textured finish is refreshing with just a hint of toasted cashew.
armida.com
2018 Estate Rose of Pinot Noir
Rodney Strong
Vineyards
(Healdsburg)
This vibrant rosé of Pinot Noir has aromas and flavors of strawberry, melon and tropical fruits. Brilliant and bright with fresh acidity, notes of citrus and a clean finish.
rodneystrong.com
2015 Dry Creek Valley Cinsaut
Frick Winery (Dry Creek Valley)
This single vineyard, small batch wine is big berried, soft and delicious. It explodes with aromas of red fruit and full, round flavors of cherry, strawberry jam and raspberry.
frickwinestore.com
