One of my last winery visits of 2017 was a stop at Rosewood Estates. Winemaker Ryan Corrigan has taken the helm from Ross Wise. Both are very good winemakers but dramatically different in style. Ryan joins Rosewood from Pearl Morissette, which leads me to ask the question – how much of the Pearl Morissette influence will work its way into the winemaking? Ryan took us to the production side and I had the opportunity to taste quite a few things out of barrel, tank and egg. I was amazed at how good these wines tasted. There are going to be some major changes in the portfolio at Rosewood coming soon. If you’ve already noticed some of these new changes have already started to creep in – the Nebulous Pet Nat was a welcome addition to the portfolio and something very interesting last year.
Winemaker Ryan Corrigan pulls a sample of an upcoming vintage.
Now it’s interesting that I chose to use the word “interesting” to describe this wine. I think we’ve reached a point where there are a lot of wines making an appearance on wine lists and at wineries that can be called “interesting” – but is this word just a way to help justify their existence without any regard to whether or not they taste good … and I mean good enough to sit and share an entire bottle with friends. Thankfully none of these “interesting” wines exist at Rosewood – even with the Pet Nat the wines are tasty and from what I tasted in the cellar we are in store for some very interesting and tasty wines from Rosewood. I’m not going to be making any tasting notes on the wines in the cellar but things to watch for in the spring will be Sauvignon Blanc and (of course) Riesling.
2016 Locked and Loaded White – $16.95 – **** – This is an unoaked chardonnay that almost has aromas of apple and mineral. On the palate this remains light and refreshing and the apple is met with a citrus note. There is a slight vanilla note that creeps through on the finish and is met with mineral. This is a wine that has me yearning for summer and a hot patio.
2014 Origin Chardonnay – $28.95 – ****+ – This is one of my favorite Chardonnay’s in the province and continues to deliver the goods. Pineapple and Vanilla are oozing out of the glass with nice weight right away. The texture and weight of this wine is rich and heavy on the palate but it is still met with nice acidity to keep it from being too heavy. The citrus is met with peach and a slight funkiness on the finish. This is a bottle of Chardonnay that you will not find next to food on my table the ideal pairing is a second glass.
2015 Locked and Loaded Red – $19.95 – ****+ – This is a blend of 43% Merlot – 27% Cabernet Sauvignon – 19% Cabernet Franc – 11% Malbec – and it’s the little broth to the Lock, Stock and Barrel from Rosewood. There is nothing little about this wine. Aromas of vanilla, smoke, raspberry, blackberry, and black currant climb out of the glass with nice intensity. The flavours match the nose and the tannin is velvet smooth and approachable now – but if you decided to stow a few bottles away for 5-7 years this should cellar with ease. I think the real highlight of this wine is the price, this may be one of the best value red wines in the province at the moment and I would make grabbing this bottle a priority if I were you.
2015 Cabernet Franc Renanceau Vineyard – $29.95 – **** – Aromas of tobacco and a slight smokiness layered over rich raspberry and blackberry. On the palate this is very rich and the slight savory note is well buried under the fruit, but make no mistake about this it’s most definitely Niagara Franc. This is an outstanding example of this grape and another reason to make sure you stop by Rosewood.
