This is pehaps the most intriguing wine I have had all year.  Pinot Rose's are fairly uncommon in the market place.  A few producers make them, and most are sold via mailing lists.  Kutch is a new winery, celebrating the release of its maiden vintages this year. They make a conventional Pinot Noir, and a Pinot Rose'.

The 2006 Kutch Pinot Noir Rose has a pinkinsh color (as opposed to the more salmon color Rose's we see from Bandol and the south of France).  The latter, of course, are made from Mourvedre and other Rhone varietals, not Pinot Noir.  The wine has a delicate bouquet of rose petals, strawberry, and a hint of peach, with strawberry and a light cherry crisp presentation on the palate.  The wine finishes firmly, crisply.  The overall drinking experience with this wine is one of refreshment.  I can not think of a better wine to pair with a warm weather picnic, or an afternoon luncheon on the patio.  The wine will pair well with shell-fish, lighter salmon dishes, and lightly flavored pastas and pasta salads.  It would also be one of the few wines that would pair adequately with fresh fruit salad.

So far, this is one of the best Rose's I have had from an American producer, and Mr. Kutch should be proud of his inaugural release.  Look for more California Pinot Roses hitting the marketplace in the next few years.

I  purchased this wine off the winery's web site.  I think it was in the 15 dollar range.  I score this wine just shy of 4 stars, which puts it in the same company as some of my favorite rose producers from the Bandol region of France!  Nicely done.

 

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