California producer Sonoma-Cutrer has announced the arrival of its 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir.

“This new vintage of our Rosé of Pinot Noir is a beautiful example of why Russian River Valley Pinot Noir makes a wonderful rosé,” says Sonoma-Cutrer Pinot Noir Winemaker Zidanelia Arcidiacono. 

Harvest began on August 24th at Vine Hill Ranch, located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, where more than a 300-ft. of elevation change allows each ridge, slope, and valley in the vineyard to contribute characteristics to the grapes. Combined with a variety of soils, clones and rootstocks that limit excessive vine growth, the vineyard provides a variety of fruit, the company says. Grape picking completed Sept. 13 with fruit from Sonoma-Cutrer’s Owsley Estate, which consists of ten vineyard blocks of pinot noir.

“Despite a historic drought across California, Sonoma County experienced a favorable spring and summer season with no weather extremes, and the first half of August through cooler temperatures,” says Mick Schroeter, Sonoma-Cutrer head winemaking director. “We benefited from perfect ripening weather throughout the entire harvest which shows in the quality of this rosé.” 

Clusters were destemmed and crushed leaving the juice in direct contact with the skins for a short period of time; immediately after grapes were gently pressed. Each batch of rosé was fermented separately in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to protect the aromas and flavors. After fermentation, the rosé batches were blended together.

The light salmon color of the wine opens up with aromas of tangerine, pink grapefruit, strawberry, raspberry and a light hint of rose petal, the company reports. On the palate are fresh fruit flavors of citrus, red berry fruit with a tropical twist that leads to a juicy and tangy finish. 

The suggested retail price of Sonoma-Cutrer 2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir is $25 per 750-ml. bottle. It’s 100% pinot noir, 11.9% ABV and available at retailers nationwide and on the Sonoma-Cutrer website.