The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Applegate Valley

Varietal   Rose Blend

Retail Price   $25

ABV   11.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Hazy, light salmon color.

The nose is moderately intense, offering scents of red plum and kumquat with supporting notes of strawberry, rhubarb, and cranberry with hints of sweet cigar box.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of raspberry, red currant, and wet stones. The finish is tart with lovely tart berries emerging.

Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant texture.

Cool Factor

Our third taste of a Troon Vineyard Bench Rosé equals last year's great effort and once again earns top cool points.

Value Grade

Scarcity (only 300 cases made), superb quality, and a modest, premium price tag of $25 make this wine a value for wine lovers seeking unique wines with personality.

Analysis

Made with a unique blend of 55% Malbec, 35% Tinta Roriz, and 10% Counoise. Last year's Rosé included a healthy dose of Primitivo but these vines have been pulled in favor of other varietals. Like all of Troon's wines the vines are farmed to provide optimal fruit for the intended wine. The grapes were intentionally harvested with lower sugars and higher acidity than grapes destined to be a red wine. 2021 was the first harvest of Counoise at Troon and it adds a distinctive spiciness and acidity to this wine. The juice was fermented in neutral barrels with native yeasts and then encouraged to go through malolactic (softening the sharp acid profile) and then rested on the lees for three months. Like all Troon Vineyard wines, the Kubli Bench Rosé is bottled unfined and unfiltered.

How to Enjoy

Serve chilled with nothing but a glass or pair with ceviche or spicy chicken sate.