wolffer-2013-rose

There is little doubt that Wolffer Estate Vineyard‘s rose is the unofficial wine of the Hamptons — or at least the Memorial Day-to-Labor Day Hamptons season. You’ll find it all over — on restaurant lists, at events, by the pool, at the beach and out on boats.

It’s seemingly everywhere. And winemaker Roman Roth makes a lot of it — more than 17,000 cases this year, which dwarfs the total production of most Long Island wineries.

Wolffer Estate Vineyard 2013 Rose ($17*) is made with 58% merlot, 24% chardonnay, 11% cabernet franc 6% pinot noir and 1% cabernet sauvignon and shows aromas of white peaches, jasmine tea, red grapefruit and green apple. As it warms a bit, there is an herbal-spice note that emerges that reminds me of curry leaf.

Dry but not austere or harsh, the fresh, medium-bodied palate is much more citrusy than the nose, driven by lime and grapefruit flavors, with peach and earthy minerals in the background. A bit of residual CO2 really enlivens the palate and helps it pair with a wide range of non-red meat foods. The finish drops off fairly quicklky, but this is a straightforward sipper that I’d compare to summer in a bottle if they didn’t just release another 2013 rose under that moniker. Look for that review next week.

Producer: Wolffer Estate Vineyard
AVA:
Long Island
Brix:
18.8 - 21
Harvest Date(s): September 13-October 12
Yields: 3-4.5 tons/acre
Blend: 58% Merlot, 24% Chardonnay, 11% Cabernet Franc, 6% Pinot Noir and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.
ABV: 11.5%
RS: .05%
TA: 6.0
pH: 3.35
Production: 17,300 cases

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