Well of course I coaxed local winemaker Steve Lemley from Pulchella Winery into letting me taste their – co-winemaker Nate Hasper definitely had his hand on this one – first ever 100% ROSE OF TANNAT that had YET TO BE RELEASED just so I could get your taste buds watering. It may be in bottle, it may even be in the tasting room before their ever-popular Viognier runs out, so pay attention:
Pulchella Rosé of Tannat
Bella Collina Vineyard, Adelaide District, Paso Robles
Bottled by Pulchella Winery, Santa Clarita
15.5% alcohol
The back label reads:
Some may question her nature, but are ultimately seduced by attraction. Away from the pack she moves, forging a new path.
Now, that’s a hell of a teaser. Time to taste!
Tasting
Compared to the color of the bright spring tulips I placed the wine bottle next to, I’d have to begin by saying the wine was the color of ripe strawberries with a touch of red peach fuzz. And while some Rosé wine can go anywhere from pale peach to pink, when I see one this deeper color, a rarity, I know I’m in for a treat.
Of the aroma, which I conferred with my husband on, we got raspberry, strawberry, peach and something that reminded me of rain-washed pavement.
The taste would be a favorite among Francophiles with mild acidity and delicate fruit that included that strawberry, of course, as well as the same raspberry we found on the nose, stewed red fruits, white pepper and mineral elements.
As we thoughtfully sipped the wine, on our front porch one of those hot evenings we enjoyed this past March, we thought how the colors of one of those red glowing sunsets would compare with our wine. We also thought, as we grew hungry for dinner, how nice the wine would pair with hard cheeses or a Margherita Pizza topped with fresh tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella cheese.
Current Releases
As this wine may not be available in a widespread release right away this is what is currently available:
2013 Racket
Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat
Adelaida District, Paso Robles
2013 Red, White and Blue
Field Blend/ Co-Fermented.
El Pomar District, Paso Robles
2014 Awakening
Tannat, Petite Sirah
Paso Robles.
2014 Block 6 Reserve
100% Syrah
La Vista Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles
(Club members only)
2015 City Slicker
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah
Paso Robles
2015 Decorus
100% Syrah
Pipestone Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
2015 Mercenary
100% Zinfandel
Paso Robles
2016 Drifter
100% Viognier
Terra Mia Vineyard, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles
Of their 2016 vintages the winemakers said, “The #2016vintage is beautiful: heavily extracted, intense and well structured. We are stoked to show these wines off next year! #WorthTheWait”
The Tasting Room is located at 24261 Main Street, Newhall (old downtown historical district), 91321. They are open Thursday through Saturday from 5pm to 10pm and Sundays 12pm to 5pm. Tasting is free for members! Hours sometimes vary, they are closed on major holidays, so keep an eye on their social media for updates or call them at 661-799-WINE. You can bring in your own food or order from nearby restaurants, there is no kitchen at the tasting room. (Reserve as spot on their patio or in the bar if you have a large party of 8 or more, or want to book a private event.)
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http://www.pulchellawinery.com/
Eve Bushman has a Level Two Intermediate Certification from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust, a “certification in first globally-recognized course” as an American Wine Specialist ® from the North American Sommelier Association (NASA), was the subject of a 60-minute Wine Immersion video, authored “Wine Etiquette for Everyone” and has served as a judge for the Long Beach Grand Cru. You can email Eve@EveWine101.com to ask a question about wine or spirits.