2012 Helix Columbia Valley Rose

So today it was about 80 degrees, but the humidity went way up so it felt stifling, which I guess is natures friendly reminder that it's rose season!  That glorious warm and sunny time of year when it's just grand to enjoy a chilled glass of rose on the patio.  Tonight I've decided to open a bottle of 2012 Helix Columbia Valley Rose, a limited production from Reininger Winery of Walla Walla.

The color is a deep pink, truly the color of a nice rose.  The nose is lovely combination of cool citrus, strawberry and watermelon notes.  The taste is blast of summer right from the outset, fresh fruit flavors of strawberry and watermelon with a hint of fresh cut grass transports you to your favorite picnic spot.  The acidity is well balanced and the dry finish seems to last 30 seconds or more, just long enough to get you to your next sip.

Overall I would rate this wine a solid 8, it's a delicious, crisp and refreshing rose that's sure to get you through the dog days of summer, or if you're like me, looking out on the patio as a thunderstorm rolls in!  Tonight I am enjoying this wine with some seared sea scallops over a bed of baby greens tossed in aged white balsamic, some toasted pine nut couscous and fresh picked steamed asparagus.  And if this bottle lasts, I might enjoy my last glass with a dessert of fresh strawberries over shortbread, cheers!