macari-2013-roseMacari Vineyards 2013 Rosé ($17), a blend of 60% cabernet franc, 38% merlot, 2% pinot noir, doesn’t jump out of the glass at you. It’s more subtle on the nose than that, but if you pay attention, the melange of red cherry, straweberry and sweet herbs is quite elegant.

Medium bodied with a serious bolt of acidity, the palate is fruit forward, but not overly fruity because of nice, savory herbal notes. There is an earthy component too that is somewhat reminiscent of raw button mushroom. All of that acidity sticks out just a bit, but overall this is a wine that elevates and is a bit tamed by a wide array of foods.

Producer: Macari Vineyards
AVA: North Fork of Long Island
Blend: 60% cabernet franc, 38% merlot, 2% pinot noir
ABV: 13.5%
Oak Program: None
Production: 469 cases
Price: $17*

(2.5 out of 5, Average-to-Very Good)