The Hedonistic Taster | № 25 | Dynamic CA Duo: Bonterra + Conn Creek Winery

The Hedonistic Taster | № 25 | Dynamic CA Duo:

Bonterra – Mendocino + Conn Creek Winery – Napa

by L.M. Archer, FWS | Bourgogne ML

A Tasse de dégustiation, or tastevin, is a silver tasting cup used by vignerons and negociants in Burgundy to taste wines. Most are presented as christening gifts at birth.

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“Wine should not be regarded simply as a beverage, but as an art of living, a pleasure.” – Henri Jayer

Welcome to The Hedonistic Taster, a binNotes | redThread™ trade sampling of gorgeous, small-lot artisan pours in an intimate tasting format.

The title derives from the term ‘hedonistic tasting,’ coined by legendary Burgundian vigneron Henri Jayer.

Santé!

Today’s Tasting:

Bonterra Organic Vineyards | Mendocino, CA. +

Conn Creek Winery | Napa, CA.

This Hedonistic Taster focuses on a pair of California rosé wines featured in a summer virtual tasting hosted by #wineStudio, an online wine community to which I belong.

Bonterra Organic Vineyards’ 2016 Rosé, crafted from certified organically grown grapes, hails from Mendocino County in Northern California.

Conn Creek Winery 2016 Rosé saddles up from Napa Valley, along the historic Silverado Trail.

Both small lot, high quality wines favor low alcohol and vivid freshness. Enjoy!

Bonterra Organic Vineyards crafts their wines from certified organically grown grapes in the Northern California wine growing area of Mendocino County.

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Wine: Bonterra Organic Vineyards Rosé

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 12.9%

Suggested Retail: SOLD OUT.

Specs

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Pale rose petal hue.

Nose: An intoxicating mélange of watermelon, pear, nectarine notes on the nose.

Palate: Stone fruit and melon flavor profiles continues through on the palate. Light body, finish. A poised, refreshing pour.

Suggested Pairings: Lovely with fresh melon and ultra-thin slices of aged prosciutto.

Rating: 90

Conn Creek Rosé is Provençal-style wine of bright acidity, exquisite texture, and lovely finish.

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Wine: Conn Creek Winery Small Lot Rosé of Malbec | Atlas Peak – Napa Valley

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 12.5%

Suggested Retail: $24

[NOTE: This is a small lot production – only 100 cases made.]

Specs

TASTING NOTES:

Robe: Opulent copper-coral robe.

Nose: Luxuriant aromas of apricot, orange zest, and a heady herbal backnote.

Palate: Wow. A glorious homage to Provence-style rosé wine – beautifully balanced, well-structured, light-to-medium body, with grace, heft and texture.

Suggested Pairings: I want this wine at the ready in my cellar to surprise and amaze guests skeptical about the ‘seriousness’ of pink wine.

A sensually appealing, yet bro-worthy wine sturdy enough to pair with ribs, but delicate enough to compliment fish or salad. Yes, please.

Rating: 92

❦