MAY 23, 2021 (Santa Rosa, Calif.) — Experience Rosé, a wine competition that focuses exclusively on expressions of pink wine — sweet, dry, and sparkling — has announced results of the 2022 contest. Taking top prize this year is Russian River Vineyards’ Wedge Family Vineyard Rosé of Petite Sirah (99 points). Judges’ praise included: “Elegant!”; “Strawberry and cream in aromas”; “Great weight”; and “Blood orange on the finish.” In addition to Best of Show, the wine also took honors as Best Domestic Dry.
Thorn Hill Vineyards’ Brut Sparkling Rosé (93 pts.) was awarded Best Domestic Sparkling; judges described the entry as “Lively palate feel”; “honeysuckle”; “nice, lifted finish”; “well made.” Best International Sparkling honors went to Prima Foglia Extra Dry Prosecco Rosé (94 pts.), a blend of Glera and Pinot Noir. Judges’ notes included: “Pale pink Rainier cherry”; “Beautiful expression on mid-palate”; and “Well balanced.”
Now in its fifth year, Experience Rosé was founded to help curious consumers confidently explore this emergent fine wine category. “This competition is always a lot of fun,” says Debra Del Fiorentino, founder of Wine Competitions Management & Production, which presents the contest. “The range of colors, varietals and styles is always so wide — it’s fun to sample through them all. The quality of the wines entered proves that rosé is a style to no longer be ignored.”
Eligibility for this competition is open to any wine (U.S. or international) with the word “rosé” clearly included on its front or back labeling. Judges includes winemakers, sommeliers, retail buyers, wine educators, and journalists.
2021 Experience Rosé Winners
Best of Show, Best Domestic Dry
- Russian River Vineyards’ Wedge Family Vineyard Rosé of Petite Sirah
Best Domestic Sparkling
- Thorn Hill Vineyards’ Brut Sparkling Rosé
Best International Sparkling
- Prima Foglia Extra Dry Prosecco Rosé
2021 Experience Rosé Best of Class Winners
- Pelio Estate Wines Pinot Noir Rosé; Carmel Valley, Calif. (GG, 98 points)
- Judges: “Orange spice”; “True to the finish — very consistent”; “Lovely, fruity Rosé.”
- Alapay Cellars Beachtown Blush; San Luis Obispo County, Calif. (GG, 98) (100% Cinsault)
- Judges: “Delicate fruit flavor”; “Dry, lively balance”; “Watermelon”; “Spicy.”
- Oak Farm Vineyards Rosé of Grenache; Lodi, Calif. (GG, 97)
- Judges: “Fun”; Yummy”; Delectable”; “Delicate, crisp”; “Great mouthfeel.”
- Eberle Cotes-du-Robles Rosé; Paso Robles, Calif. (GG, 96) (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre)
- Judges: “Great Balance”; “Great varietal expression”; “Balance between floral and minerality”; “Juicy.”
- Symbio Moscato; California (GG, 96) (73% Muscat Canelli, 27% Black Muscat)
- Judges: “Varietally correct”; “Floral with generous fruit”; “Guava, orange peel”; “Beautiful, stunning.”
- Trione Vineyards & Winery Rosé of Pinot Noir; Sonoma County, Calif. (GG, 95)
- Judges: “Classic nose”; “Boxwood and citrus”; “Refreshing.”
