If someone showed me this label, I would pass. But if someone poured me a glass of this very pale, lightly spiced strawberry, wild raspberry, Rainier cherry, dried herbs, light bodied rosé, I would easily finish the glass and inquire what it is while pouring a second. Gimmicky label and name aside, this is pretty serious Sangiovese rosé from Langhorne Creek. This achieves that tricky trifecta of fruit/acidity/interest, the latter in this case is a swig of salted herbs. There's a wee swell of warmth on the finish that surprises in this 12.5 degree frame, though that is easily overlooked by the numerous food pairing/patio pairing opportunities in this dry rosé. Props for making a real wine aimed at, I assume, a mass market audience of spandex-wearing yogi. Now, about that name/label
Capturing the warm sun of South Africa and the cool coastal breezes, Sun & Air is a new line from Boutinot in their ever-expanding reach of affordable, well-made, excellently packaged wines from around the globe. They do particularly well with South Africa, finding interesting pockets of grapes and working with local vintners to make well priced, tasty wines. Like this, sourced from the foothills of Paarl Mountain, the second largest granite outcrop in the world (after Oz's Ayers Rock). Decomposed granite is hinted through the stony minerality woven in this wine. Bright and sunny with a steely backbone, streaming lemony acidity and heaps of green: apple, peas, asparagus, grass atop a fine layer of lees. The finish snaps to attention with zesty spice. This is a youthful, sunny wine for drinking now.
Hand-picked from small lots in the Organic Estate vineyard, this pale straw-coloured wine offers aromatic intensity with floral and bright lemon citrus scents leading the way for crisp Riesling varietal lemon citrus flavour, lean stony mineral, focused acidity and a pure, crisp finish.
Medium ruby with a bouquet of raspberry, rhubarb, cassis, cinnamon and vanilla. The palate chimes in with the same, alongside black pepper and cocoa. Very good length with a juicy edge.
Leaning towards the austere, this one shows light floral scent with an intriguing anise overtone. Palate is smooth, with citrus and apple flavours, attractively balanced acidity and a light clean finish. Understated style that will pair with, rather that overwhelm, lighter dishes.
Deep ruby. It is complex, with black fruits and liquorice. Oak is well integrated. Very full bodied with a velvety mouthfeel, yet firm and tight. Intense, warm long finish. Overall well balanced. 70% Cab Sauv plus Cab Franc.
This shows a nose of cherry, violets, minerals, cranberry and nicely integrated spice notes. I like the savoury and tart cherry, bramble and peppery notes on the palate all lifted by bright acidity and carried by fine tannins through the finish.