Blended Bliss
Cienega Wine Trail’s De Rose Winery
Entering the chilly warehouse we were warmly greeted by the owner, Pat De Rose, who sports a handlebar mustache, and his son, Tony, tasting room manager, who expertly guided us through the tasting line-up.
Noting that all their wines are dry-farmed and unfiltered, Tony said, “Because we do not irrigate our vines, our yields are low but full of fruit flavors without any bite or bitterness.”
Starting with their 2013 Viognier ($22), fermented in neutral French oak, allowing the abundant apricot and peach flavors to shine through.
The estate Continental Cabernet ($25), a blend of three cabernets: cabernet pfeffer, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon showed white peppercorn on the nose; on the palate it is red cherry and pomegranate, finishing with soft tannins.
Alchemy ($27), a blend of cabernet, syrah, carménère and malbec, is produced in their leased vineyards in Chile. This lush, full-bodied wine is layered and complex; continuing to reward as it opens up.
Their bestselling Hollywood Red ($28) is a blend of seven different varietals but mostly zinfandel made from 100 years old vines. With flavors of dark cherry and spice it would pair well with their annual paella event.
Open seven days a week—their vintage car museum is open the first Saturday of the month.
- Food at your front door – November 30, 2017
- Jammy Trio – November 8, 2017
- Dine-in bar – November 5, 2017
