It seems like I’ve been drinking a lot of rose lately. I guess it’s a combination of swelteringly hot temperatures and the fact that several local wineries are releasing new ones. Regardless, I don’t mind much. I like a quality rose every now and then.

Macari Vineyards makes some of our  favorite summer sippers, including  their Early Wine and previous vintages of  rose. This year’s vintage is made with 55% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 15% cabernet franc, but previous vintages have included a little malbec and petit verdot as well.

Eyes: This wine is a mouthwatering, pretty salmon color

Nose: Fruity with aromas reminiscent of strawberries, watermelon and limes

Tongue: Refreshing and expertly balanced, it offers cherry, pomegranate and watermelon flavors accented by just the right amount of body and acidity. It’s crisp but not bracing and a bit more complex than your average rose. Howard Goldberg from the NYT recently touted this rose as the "tastiest East End rose" he’s tasted all summer. I rarely want to pick a single wine as the "best" but I’m inclined to agree this time.

Price: $12

Lenn’s Grade: A-/B+
Nena’s Grade: A

Overall Comments: Obviously we both really enjoyed this one. We actually sipped this along with some sausage and goat cheese stuffed portobella mushrooms, but I think this wine is a rare rose (for me anyway) that while great with food, is also interesting enough to drink on it’s own in the summer.