Yarra Valley 13.0% Screwcap $14 Source: Sample
I believe previous releases of De Bortoli’s Windy Peak Rosé have been Cabernet based, so it is refreshing, both literally and metaphorically, to see that the 2010 version is a blend of Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and Grenache. All three of those varieties are eminently suited to the production of high quality, dry Rosé.
This is a cracking release at $14 and I’d imagine you will be able to find it for even less at retail. It’s a fresh scented wine with fragrances of roses, oranges, cherry blossom and strawberry. There’s a suggestion of both Turkish delight and musk, but those characters are very much in the background.
Good red fruit intensity on the palate but with a weightless quality that makes it all the more enjoyable to drink. A soft and creamy mid-palate adds texture and it finishes dry and crisp despite some light icing sugar traits. The gentle handshake of tannin is very welcome at this price point too. A step up for Windy Peak Rosé and another success for De Bortoli, who are on a roll with this style of wine.
Winery website- http://www.debortoli.com.au/
G'day Jeremy. Found this a great wine for the suggested RRP. I found it to effectively be the sum of its constituent parts, offering the aroma from the Pinot, with the body and finish from the Sangiovese and Grenache.
Perfect for our summers!
Cheers
That's an excellent point Stu. I couldn't agree more. It's very exciting to see how each variety enhances the others, especially at $14. Very intelligent blending. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it too!
Although I'm traditionally not a big fan of Aussie rose, your opening paragraph here has me on the hunt for this one before I even read the rest of your note JP
All it needs is nebbiolo, and then it would contain all the varieties I believe to be best suited to Australian rose, from a maker I believe to be Australia's best at the cheaper price ranges.
Is it actually 100% Yarra JP? Sounds too good to be true at its oft-discounted price mate!
Cheers,
Chris P
Yep, 100% Yarra. Really lovely wine. Not of the same quality as the 2010 De Bortoli Estate Yarra Valley Pinot Noir Rosé (really worth checking out at $25 RRP), but great for the price.