Drink now, thank me later.
Have I shared how well I like Lodi wines? Well, yes I have. In 2016, I enjoyed visiting Lodi, California wine country and wrote about the wines I enjoyed and the friendly, passionate people I met in northern California wine country.
"There is another California wine country destination worth discovering. It is not over-priced, it is not crowded and it is full of local charm and flavors. This is your opportunity to experience small town California wine country before everyone else."
see: Lodi, California re-discover wine country and Wines of Lodi, California.
Now that spring is transitioning to summer, and the digits are counting upwards, it feels like Rosé wine season to me. This time of year many wineries are releasing their Rosé wines just in time for Mothers Day. Or just because.
The Klinker Brick 2017 Bricks and Roses Rosé is my style of Rosé. A blend of Rhone grape varieties, it was dry, crisp, focused, and easy drinking. This wine is perfect for chilling, grilling and enjoying the season. A perfect spring and summer wine.
Winemaker Joseph Smith has delivered a definitive Lodi Rosé for 2018. His skill as a winemaker should be no surprise, as he started his career in the nineties as an apprentice with Gnekow Family Wines. From there he worked under Barry Gnekow at Hahn and also Michael David as a cellar master and since 2008, as full time winemaker at Klinker Brick. Well done Joseph.
Tasting Notes Klinker Brick 2017 Bricks and Roses RoséColor: Pale coral, shiny.
Nose: Medium minus intensity, minerality, river rock, peach, strawberry, petrol, inviting. As it warmed the minerality became pleasantly more pronounced.
Palate: Subtly Creamy, medium intensity, medium plus acidity, dry, textured, tingle on gums and tongue, peach, light strawberry, focused fruit, into raspberry, with a note of orange cream on a clean medium minus finish. Fresh, easy drinking, pair with friends and shrimp salad. Like. My speed. Difficult to stop drinking. Wonderful with sauteed butternut squash noodles. A perfect pairing?
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| Wonderful pairing with sauteed butternut squash noodles. |
Day two: Aromatics and flavors more pronounced. Focused fruit, dry peach, watermelon, savory cantaloupe, touch of vanilla cream and salinity into medium finish. Very good.
Thoughts: This is my style of Rosé. I expect you and your friends will empty the bottle quickly. So have extra ready. For me, I enjoyed the minerality on the nose and how dry and crisp it drank. The flavors were spot on. This should be a lovely wine for brunch: bagel, cream cheese, lox and fresh strawberries. Also, a good candidate for fresh watermelon salad, wild shrimp, or a crab boil. It was stunning paired with sauteed butternut squash. Well done Mr. Smith.
This wine drank beautifully on day one, and was even more aromatic and flavorful on day two. By day three it had faded a bit. So drink now! I know that won't be a problem. Enjoy.
Strongly Recommended.
State: California
Region: Lodi
Blend: 38% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 24% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre
Closure: Screw Cap
ABV: 12.8%
SRP: $15
Klinker Brick Winery
15887 N. Alpine Road, Lodi, CA 95240
Phone: (209) 333-1845
www.klinkerbrickwinery.com
Open Daily 11AM - 5PM
What once began as a grape-growing community from the early 1900's until the late 1980's, Lodi is now a thriving wine-producing region adorned with dozens of wineries, including Klinker Brick.
Klinker Brick Winery owners Steve and Lori Felten, represent the fifth generation of their family to grow grapes in Lodi. They started Klinker Brick Winery and produced their first vintage of old vine zinfandel in 2000. I suggest you seek out their wines and encourage you to plan a visit. You can thank me later.
Cheers!