2021 "Laughing Pig" Rosè - Big Table Farm

Irresistibly plump yet pretty eruptions of crunchy watermelon, succulent strawberry, delicate cherry, apricot, and nectarine lead a boldy expressive yet admirably elegant display that is deliciously juicy and lean yet somehow still sneakily powerful. Outgoing bursts of cherry and apple blossoms generously spill a range of sweet floral tones that rise above clean herbal hints of mint leaf and fresh basil. Pristine earthy notes of gravel and margarita salt playfully contribute streaks of lightly saline stony minerality that balance with uniquely candied qualities reminiscent of peach rings and pink Jolly Rancher. Wonderfully tart, dry, and pure-fruited on the palate with nice energy to complement its terrific succulence and depth; exhibiting a substantial, soft, and layered presentation that boasts an intriguing texture hinted at by its strikingly hazy appearance. Medium-plus bodied and kept fresh by elevated acidity. This 2021 "Laughing Pig" Rosè by Big Table Farm is an unconventional yet delicious rosè from the Willamette Valley. 

Although some may incorrectly assume rosè to be only a light and quaffable beverage suitable to drink outside during summertime, there are an incredible amount of serious and thought-provoking examples of rosè being made every year that deserve consideration and respect. This bottling, crafted by Big Table Farm using Pinot Noir grown within Oregon's Willamette Valley, is an excellent example of a rosè that is both complex and delicious. This gushes gobs of berry, melon, and stone fruits that are ample in concentration yet still wonderfully fresh, and it backs them with sweet florals, subtle herbs, and clean minerality. This unfined & unfiltered creation possesses an atypically cloudy appearance with plenty of visible sediment, yet this works in its favor in giving this wine a wonderfully silky mouthfeel. Excellent.