A big-time winner is Alexander Valley’s 2010 Rose of Sangiovese. This varietal, which reaches its pinnacle in Italy, has been largely a failure for California red wines, but roses made from this grape have been much more successful. This offering reveals excellent strawberry and cherry fruit intermixed with earth, spice and tobacco leaf notes in a medium-bodied, dry format. With abundant perfume as well as flavor, this light to medium salmon-colored rose is best consumed over the next 6-12 months. Tel. (707) 433-7209; Fax (707) 433-9408

Not dry at all, as the label promises, but overtly sweet, with vapid, sugary flavors of raspberries and cola.——S.H.(9/1/2010)—— 81

Alexander Valley Vineyards has fashioned one of the finest dry roses I have tasted from California. Their 2008 Dry Rose of Sangiovese is similar to a French Tavel, offering notes of watermelons, strawberries, and cherries, medium body, plenty of character, and a dry finish. Enjoy it over the next 8-10 months. Tel. (707) 433-7209; Fax (707) 433-9408

Readers looking for a terrific rose need look no further than Alexander Valley Vineyards 2007 Dry Rose of Sangiovese. It reveals excellent strawberry and watermelon-like fruit with good spice and bite. Enjoy this dry, medium-bodied rose over the next six months.Tel. (707) 433-7209; Fax (707) 433-9408