Tasting Notes: Roanoke Releases 2010 Rosé

At in Riverhead, Mother's Day marks the annual release of the winery's rosé, which makes it an early destination for people who know that when it comes to rosé wines, fresher is better.

Roanoke's 2010 De Rosa Rosé is an intentional rosé, which means the red grapes were pressed and left on the skins only long enough to pick up a pinkish, salmon color. For this year's blend winemaker Roman Roth used 60 percent merlot, 20 percent chardonnay, 14 percent cabernet franc and 6 percent barrel-fermented cabernet sauvignon.

Aromas include steely hints of fresh strawberry, lime and apricot with gravelly mineral highlights. But while the nose is austere, the palate is quite ripe, with juicy flavors of Meyer lemon, strawberry, nectarine, pink grapefruit, lime, dried peach and passion fruit. The finish is very long and tart, with bright mineral notes and bold acidity.

According to owner Rich Pisacano, the 2010 rosé marks a departure from its earlier racy rosés to a riper and juicier style. Yet, the ripeness of the grapes comes off without any residual sweetness.

Roanoke made 374 cases of this wine.

Verdict: Ripe, fresh rosé without needing the sweetness to acheive a round body.

Price: $18 at the tasting room.