Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Calafia Rosé of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 2024
Product Story
This is our first look at a wine from Calafia Cellars, and it did not disappoint. Their charming Rosé of Pinot Noir is vibrant and complex, true to the varietal. The grapes for this year’s Rosé were sourced from vineyards in Sonoma Coast (primary source), Russian River Valley, and Anderson Valley in Mendocino. This wine is made using the saignée method—a winemaking technique that involves bleeding off a portion of juice after brief skin contact, in this case, approximately six to eight hours of skin contact. The wine was fermented and rested in stainless steel to retain freshness and accentuate its beautiful fruit characteristics. We love the natural acidity found in this wine and how it seamlessly marries with the red berry and citrus fruit. Get this wine while it lasts, as just 50 cases were made. 4 Stars/93 points
Brand Story
Calafia Cellars is a small, family-run winery in Napa Valley’s St. Helena appellation, founded in 1979 by Randle and MaryLee Johnson. Randle is a veteran winemaker with over 40 years of experience. The winery is named after the mythical queen Calafia from a 1503 Spanish novel. They are known for their premium, hand-crafted wines, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends, featuring Malbec and Petit Verdot. They also produce other varietals such as Verdelho, a rosé made from Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel. Randle’s philosophy emphasizes terroir-driven wines. We at BevX have limited experience with these wines, but what we have seen has been impressive.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, medium ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of raspberry, red cherry, and red grapefruit zest with supporting notes of pomegranate and wet stones. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of ripe strawberry, cranberry, elderberry, orange peel, and slate. The finish is long and lingering. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple yet vibrant texture.
How to Serve
Like most rosé wines, this one needs nothing more than a glass. Serve it chilled during happy hour, perhaps with light appetizers.
Price: $ 28
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4533
