Updated May 31 2007

Forest Glen, California, 2005 White Zinfandel, $10. “Aromas of strawberry and watermelon. Not too sweet and goes down easily with barbecued ribs.

Kenwood, California, 2006 Rose Table Wine, $8 “Fruity and relatively dry.”
Angove’s Nine Vines, South Australia, 2006 Rosé, $9.99. “Lush strawberry flavors in a nice, not-too-sweet treatment that makes this rosé of Grenache (70%) and Shiraz (30%) fruit suitable as an aperitif or accompaniment to dinner.”
“Excellent to drink with spicy BBQ chicken.”

Chandon, California, NV Rose, $20. “California sparkler with prominent strawberry fruit character is easy drinking but shows some complexity, too. Versatile with food (elegant reception wine and would be excellent with deviled crab dishes and roasted poultry).

Deaver Vineyards, Amador County, 2005 “Sangio”, $12. “Sprightly, Sangiovese-based rosé from a small producer in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County in California.”

Folie à Deux, California, 2005 Ménage à Trois Rose, $9.99 “We like—no, love—dryroses that are so available in southern France. This Ménage à Trois isn’t in that category, but it isn’t sticky-sweet either. Composed of the relatively unique combination of Merlot, Syrah and Gewürztraminer, it shows some nice floral aspects (thanks, Gewürz) and some depth on the palate from the otherwise-red wine grapes of Merlot and Syrah. Drink poolside with friends. Who knows what it could inspire?”
“Might be nice with barbecued chicken or pork using any spice rub or marinade,”

Jacob’s Creek, Australia, N/V Sparkling Rosé, $11.99 “Strawberry and lemon peel aromas. Red fruit characteristics from the 26% Pinot Noir (the balance is Chardonnay) give flavor hints of red cherries and more strawberry. Harmony of acidity and creaminess in long finish. One taster thought he picked up just a touch of mustiness, but overall the panel deemed this one a winner.”

Kenwood Vineyards, Russian River Valley, 2005 Pinot Noir Rosé, $15. “Fresh and appealing strawberry qualities. Dry, but with a roundness or fullness not found in dry French rosés.”

Korbel, Russian River Valley, 2004 Natural, $13.99 “Another excellent sparkler from California producer that has been turning out much higher quality wines in the last decade. Sophisticated green apple and citrus perfume open to green apple and lime flavors with just enough yeast for a nod to the traditional.”
“A great aperitif with almonds, salted and toasted in butter or oil or with smoked salmon.”

Montevina, Amador County, 2005 Sierra Sunrise Rosé, $10. “Fresh, sprightly wine produced from quality grapes (60% Nebbiolo, the balance equal parts of Zin and Syrah), this Sierra Sunrise Rose is a pleasant sipper and a food-pairer for many dishes. The winery notes describe it as ‘crisp,’ but to our tastes it’s more ‘soft,’ albeit attractive.”
“We enjoyed it with baked chicken thighs which had been marinated in Thai spices.”

Pink (Yellowglen), Australia, N/V Sparkling Wine $11.99 “Pleasant experience in tasting this Aussie sparkler that will offend no one. The Yellowglen Winery produces a similar wine called “Yellow” that is made from Chardonnay. This one is comprised of Chard and Pinot Noir, which gives it the “Pink” color and label identity. Could be regarded more seriously than the frothy packaging might suggest.

Riverside by Foppiano, California, White Zinfandel, $6.25. “Straight-forward strawberry flavors. Likable when served well chilled with spicy poolside fare like fresh made salsa or ribs in spicy rub.”

Valley of the Moon, Sonoma County, 2005 Rosato di Sangiovese, $16. “Socko dry rose that’s much richer than Provençal examples. Vivid fruit, bright in color and in its strawberry and cherry flavors.”