For those of you that aren’t familiar with Charles Smith, he’s one of those eccentric and incredible winemakers, like Chapoutier that expand the wine world with their passion and skill.  With that in mind, Charles & Charles Rosé is perfectly timed for summer, and the folks at Charles Smith were kind enough to send me some samples of Rosé, so many thanks! Of course, the important question still needs to be answered… How’s the wine?

Sight: A fun and vibrant rosy pink

Smell: Fresh cherries and strawberries come to the forefront, with hints of raspberry and rock candy.  Subtle floral notes come into play.  Rhubarb, as though cooked for a pie seems to linger in the background.

Sip:  Very bright, light, and pungent.  Blood orange and raspberry come together on the palate in a crash, mixing slightly with cherries and strawberry.  There’s a variable mixture of highly charged fruits all banging around in there competing for dominance.  Subtle elements of herbalness come into play, bringing a green element to the party.

Savor:  The ending contains a sour cherry and fresh picked raspberry bent, with a hint of blood orange.  Refreshing, although a little clipped.

Charles & Charles Rosé is aggressively flavorful, and more complex than many straight forward fruity rosés.  Truth be told, the color is endearing and alluring, and helps the more subtle nose comes to terms with the bombastic palate.  The experience is a fun one, a rollercoaster wine, packed with passion.  If you like rosé, than Charles & Charles Rosé is definitely worth a try!

Verdict:  Cherry, Blood Orange, Bright, Complex
Rating: 88
Price: $12 [This bottle was received as a sample]
Columbia, Washington