Wine of the Moment, 2010 Abiouness Carneros Rosé

As it happens every "spring" here in New Orleans, suddenly, its hot.  Usually we can at least make it to Jazz Fest before the thermometer bumps into the nineties, but early April?  So that means it is time to start stocking up on Rosé and and while you'll see some old favorites in the shop, look for some new fresh facings as well like my new favorite, the Abiouness...

I tried this wine a few weeks ago with Monica and Neil from Neat Wines and fell in love with it.  Female winemaker Nicole Abiouness makes only 175 cases of this Pinot Noir Rosé made from a blend of the vineyards used in her single vineyard Pinots:  Stanly Ranch and Hudson Vineyard.  It is fruity, fleshy, and deliciously dry, with a juicy nose of red cherries and spice.   On the palate you get everything a good pinot should give while still retaining the characteristics of a Rosé….light yet crisp on the finish with  strong, typical fruit characteristics of Pinot Noir:  strawberries, red raspberries and a touch of tart cherry with a balance of green earth and terrior.  You can almost taste the crisp, cool Carneros breeze!

Also look for the Abiouness Eagle Point Range Sangiovese at the bar in half bottles and her Pinot Noir should hit the shelves soon.  And as a side note she donates a portion of the proceeds of this deliciously pink wine to breast cancer research.  Way to go Nicole, I hope we get to see you in the shop one day!