Nellie's Garden Dry Rose

Chateau Ste. Michelle

2006 Nellie's Garden Dry Rosé

Warmer weather has come to represent Rosé Wine season. Gone are the pale, sickly sweet pink American wines of the past. The modern Washington Rosé is dry and succulent, pairing oh so well with summer foods and friends hanging out on the patio next to the grill.

It may be difficult to find, but Chateau Ste. Michelle does bottle a wonderful dry Rosé. It has been a few years since I last found a bottle without going to their Patterson winery/tasting room, but I recently found a bottle locally. Note that this is a 2006 vintage, while a 2007 vintage would be more appropriate, the 2006 did not disappoint.

The first thing you notice about this wine is the color. While not quite blood red, it is a wonderful clear and bright red color, or deep pink rose. This is a DRY wine, quite tart, very clean finish, with a distinct cranberry flavor. I enjoyed the wine with a pineapple, lettuce salad, dusted with freshly grated Parmesan with grilled pork chops. It was a hot and sunny Saturday the day I enjoyed this wine. But, I should caution you that this wine is 13.8 percent alcohol. So don't let it surprise you with its kick.

I encourage you to seek out Washington Rosé wines. You'll find them wonderful companions for summer picnics, grilling with friends and those amazing SE Washington sunsets.

Cheers!

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