Ortman Family Vineyards Syrah Paso Robles Rosé 2005

Winemaker's Notes:

Ships to: CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, IL, IA, MN, MO, NM, NV, NY, OR, TX, VA, WA, WV, and WI Rachel Ray, one of the "Food Network" Divas, describes this wine as "The perfect wine for red wine lovers - treat it like a Syrah". For once we agree with the Diva - one look at its color and you know you're not dealing with a wimpy Rosé! Tasting Panel Notes: The Nose - A floral nose that literally pops out of the glass - not surprising since Ortman used a trace of Viognier, which acts as an aroma enhancer even in small quantities. Look for aromas of strawberry, hints of spring flowers and perhaps some smoky earthiness. The Palate - Pink grapefruit, strawberry, and a touch of the spice that is the calling card for Syrah. Unlike many Rosé wines that are a by-product of making a more concentrated red wine, this wine was intended as a Rosé from the start - earlier harvest with higher acids and winemaking with only this target in mind - to produce the best Rosé possible. Food Pairing - Great when chilled and served with salads (yes, this wine's acidity can handle salad dressing!), crab cakes, grilled chicken hot or cold, and wonderful with most sandwiches (probably not so good with PB&J!). Note, this wine works well with anything garlic - try it with bread smeared with a simple roasted garlic, and aioli, or your other favorite garlic dish! The Ortman Family produces highly-regarded wines. This one, for example, was rated "90" by the Online Wine Advisor. Not that the Ortman's care. If they did they'd be producing wine according to the currently popular formula - more fruit extraction, higher alcohol, better as a cocktail than with food... Some Boutique producers, like the Ortman's, have the confidence to make wine according to their own style preference. They interject their considerable winemaking skills sparingly, and only to gently nudge the grapes into the best wine they can be. I think of producers like this as "grape coaches".