White strawberry, mint leaf, tart nectarine. Delicate raspberry, baby's-breath, shaved lemon peel. A bright and refreshing burst of ruby grapefruit, yellow cherry, and crunchy watermelon pours in with tremendous crispness while delicately complicated by notes of water lily and rose petal. Subtle hints of apple blossom and white flowers emerge to reveal dainty floral perfume that wafts in tune with pine needle in a lightly herbal twist. Impressions of wet stone, sea spray, and sandy earth round out the electric attack with a blast of saline and mineral freshness that lingers throughout a long and remarkably clean finish. Lively, lean, and linear on the palate while supported by wonderful tension and focus; exhibiting deliciously delicate intensity that prioritizes gracefulness over power or weight. Medium in body and backed by an enticing thread of high acidity. This 2018 "Shoshana" Vineyard Eleven Rosé by Domaine de la Rivière is a bright, beautiful, and balanced rosé of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. 

While Sonoma's Russian River Valley is home to some of the world's most bold and expressive Pinot Noir-based red wine, this classic cool climate region also puts out its fair share of terrifically delicate Pinot Noir rosé. This bottling, crafted by Domaine de la Rivière using Pinot Noir sourced from the heritage block of their estate Vineyard Eleven in the RRV, is an outstanding example of the complexity and clean refreshment that well made rosé can achieve. Led by a burst of charmingly bold acidity this wine pops on the palate with dainty yet vibrant fruit, elegant florals, and a streak of delicious minerality. Its intentionality and execution are particularly admirable as its alcohol remains modest while its flavor profile is anything but. This is an impressively well made offering of unquestionably excellent quality.