Troon Vineyard Kubli Bench Rosé Applegate Valley 2021
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
Appearance
Hazy, light salmon color.
Aromatics
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.
Flavor
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.
Intensity & Texture
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.