It was just a few months ago…around Labor Day weekend…

when wildfires swept through California, Oregon

and Washington.

Where there’s fire, there’s smoke. 

Thick smoke from the Labor Day fires

blanketed vineyards at the worst possible time…

harvest season. 

Smoke can interact with grapes, potentially

leading to smoke taint.  Wine made from tainted grapes

can taste medicinal and charred.  

Smoke tainted wine is usually deemed undrinkable.

It’s Wine Thursday, our weekly

good-wine-at-a-good-price-that-

you-can-find-recommendation,

just in time for the weekend. 

This week, we’re checking out

the first of the 2020 wines to

hit the shelves.

Wine Enthusiast

First, a little Wine 101.

The process used to make Rosé

is significantly different than

the process used to make most

red and white wines.  Because of that

different wine-making method,

smoke taint is normally less of an issue with Rosé.

Case in point…Willamette Valley Vineyards 2020

Rosé of Pinot Noir. 

There is no hint of smoke here. 

Just crisp slightly-tart strawberry flavor,

vibrant acidity and a solid finish. 

A well-made Rosé can do double duty. 

It can be enjoyed simply on its own or it can

pair effectively with food. 

This Rosé will do both.   

We found Willamette Valley Vineyards 2020

Rosé of Pinot Noir at Costco for  $14.99. 

Fred Meyer, Roth’s and Safeway all have it for $17.99. 

It goes for $18.99 at QFC. 

You can order it from Martin Wine & Spirits for $16.99

https://martinwine.com

and Wine.com has it for $21.99

https://www.wine.com