Navarro Vineyards - 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir

2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir
Anderson Valley, Mendocino
- (750 ml) $27.00

Pink panther

We were tickled pink at the prospect of producing an exciting 2023 Pinot Noir rosé, considering we had sufficient crop from our Hammer Olsen vineyard to make it happen. This vineyard is divided into two main fields, with the southeastern block further divided into five Pinot Noir blocks, each with its own unique clone: FPS 15, originally sourced from Martini Vineyard in Napa, two field selections from Chalone Vineyards in Soledad, ENTAV115 from Burgundy and FPS 4, originally from Pommard in Burgundy.

Josephina packing Pinot Noir Rosé. She works in the winery during crush and bottling days and at the warehouse packing wine for shipment. She has worked at Navarro, alongside her cellar-master husband, for over 40 years and has raised five accomplished children.

Navarro's 2023 winery harvest crew.

In the past, we made an exciting rosé from the Chalone blocks, and we thought it was the clone that contributed to its exceptional quality. We discovered that other clonal selections in this field also produced fantastic rosé when we expanded our production. We're now convinced that it's the heavier soil in this section, with a high clay content that keeps the moisture intact until mid-summer. The resulting wines are aromatic, with a lovely acidity and a lingering finish. The harvest of the Hammer Olsen Pinot took place over two days in early October. We gently destemmed the grapes into refrigerated tanks, treating each lot separately. The juices were tasted frequently, and after an average maceration time of three hours, the grapes were pressed and the juices were slowly cool-fermented followed by maturation in seasoned French oak barrels. The wine flaunts a beautiful bouquet of rose petals, accompanied by the refreshing flavors of strawberry and cherry. A crisp and lingering tang sneaks up on the finish. Platinum Medal-winner. Best of Show. 94 points.

Specifications

Harvested: Sept. 27 to Oct. 6, 2023
Sugars at harvest: 23.5° Brix
Bottled: Feb. 22 & 23, 2024
Cases produced: 2,123
Alcohol: 13.5%
Titratable acidity: 6.1 g/L
pH: 3.35

2022 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

90 points. “This is a well-balanced and fun rosé that captures the beauty of the Pinot Noir grape. Enjoy aromas and flavors of ripe strawberry, red cherry, raspberry, white chocolate, fresh basil and the floral side of white pepper. A round, medium body with balanced acidity, this is one to sip on its own or pair with a variety of lighter cuisines.” —Stacy Briscoe, Wine Enthusiast

2021 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

91 points. “Great balance and vivid fruit flavors light up this medium-bodied, appetizing wine. Raspberry and white peach aromas lead to light red cherries and peaches on the palate. It's refreshing, flavorful and lively.” Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

2020 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

89 points. “Ample watermelon aromas lead to well-concentrated cantaloupe and raspberry flavors in this crisp and well-balanced, medium-bodied wine. It taste fresh and tangy, but also nicely concentrated.” Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

2019 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

89 points. “This light-pink wine punches all the right buttons, from a fruity aroma to a crisp texture and clean raspberry and melon flavors. It's medium bodied and has a touch of cherry jam on the finish.” Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast

2018 Rosé of Pinot Noir

4 points. “I eagerly await the release of this wine every year, and I’m glad to see it once again arrive in style. It’s all you could ask for in a rosé, with a creamy midpalate and a crisp zesty finish that will have you draining the bottle in a hurry. Bravissimo.” —Platinum Award Tasting Notes from the 26th Monterey International Wine Competition

"Lovely, light fruit and flower aromas give a great entry to this well-balanced medium-bodied wine from a remarkably consistent producer. Raspberry and red cherry follow on, lifted by great acidity and tasting absolutely fresh and appetizing." Wine Enthusiast magazine

2016 Rosé of Pinot Noir

This fresh, lively and assertive wine comes off as a touch sweet but it has such tangy acidity that it stays well balanced. Bright cherry and raspberry flavors have a big impact on the palate and will help it pair nicely with strong foods. Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, November 1, 2017.

Navarro hits again with this rich, bright and zesty rose, displaying fresh strawberry, watermelon and citrus zest knit into a poolside cooler. A Platinum Award winner in the 2017 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition.A Platinum Award winner in the 2017 Critics Challenge International Wine & Spirits Competition. Rich Cook, WineReviewOnline.com, May 30, 2017.

2015 Rosé of Pinot Noir

I loved how well the Pinot Noir fruit showed in this fine rosé, from its salmon-toned color to its extended finish. This is an ideal rosé for lovers of the Pinot Noir grape. John Vankat, Arizona Daily Sun, January 11, 2017.

2014 Rosé of Pinot Noir

An earthy aroma, light apricot and lemon flavors and crisp, tangy texture add up to a lean, medium-bodied and refreshing wine made from Pinot Noir grapes. Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, December 1, 2015.

2013 Rosé of Pinot Noir

Light pinkish salmon color; attractive, floral, red raspberry and cherry fruit aroma with herbal notes and a hint of rose petal; medium body; crisp, bright, red fruit flavors; lingering aftertaste. Very highly recommended California Grapevine, July 2014.

2012 Rosé of Pinot Noir

This salmon pink colored Rose made from Pinot Noir opens with a mild tangerine and lime bouquet with a hint of green melon. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and mouthwatering. The flavor profile is a mild mineral infused orange with hint of strawberry, lime, and white pepper. The finish is dry and its flavors fade away nicely. This wine would pair very nicely with shrimp scampi. Enjoy - KenKen Hoggins, www.KensWineGuide.com, June 18, 2013.

2011 Rosé of Pinot Noir

This salmon colored Rosé opens with a nice strawberry and gentle raspberry bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and nicely balance between its fruit and acidity. The flavor profile is a pleasant gentle strawberry and mild red cherry blend. I also detected a hint of apple and bubble gum. The finish is dry and nicely refreshing. This wine was a perfect beach wine and it would pair nicely with grilled Weisswurst. Enjoy – KenKen Hoggins, www.KensWineGuide.com, July 24, 2012.

2010 Rosé of Pinot Noir

This appealing rose offers crisp strawberry flavors.Editors of Food and Wine and Mary G. Burnham, 2012 Food and Wine Wine Guide.

2009 Rosé of Pinot Noir

This my friends, is a really good Dry Rosé! With summer just around the corner, I strongly suggest you stock up. This offering from Navarro was a hit with the small group of tasters that tried it. It is light salmon colored and opens with a very fragrant red raspberry and pear like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced, and shows harmonious acidity. The flavor profile is a very tasty strawberry with gently infused acidity and raspberry notes. The finish is dry and very refreshing. This lip smacking Rose is one of the best Rose’s I have tried in recent times. I would pair it with fresh salmon. Enjoy - KenKen Hoggins, www.KensWineGuide.com, May 1, 2010.

The color is pale salmon pink, the scent pure, fresh apple with a hint of green onion (reduction). Supple and leesy, this is a pretty rosé to chill for summer aperitifs. Wine & Spirits, website only.