A savory nose of dried orange zest, red currant and peppery greens transitions to myriad flavors that cover fruit, spice and earth. Taste raspberry, apricot, spiced orange tea, green banana, dried blueberry and citron. Finish leads with the spice then comes in with red, crisp fruits (red plums, currants blood orange). Nice mouthfeel and core of acidity. Because it being all Syrah, “purposeful” Rosé and bottled in late March, I expect the flavors to blossom by July 4.
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Best known for their Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Wild Horse Valley, Olivia Brion Winery “dabbles” in small lots of interesting wines from Santa Barbara to Mendocino. This Rosé is all Syrah from near Hopland and Russian River, southeast Mendocino County. 70 minute maceration, pressed off, cold ferment, aged on its lees in neutral oak and steel tank. It is “Provence Style” in the words of winemaker Kira Ballotta. Read all of my Miss Olivia Brion wine reviews here.