Apollo’s Praise: Rosé 2025

Description

Apollo's Praise: Rosé 2025

This exceptional wine is a single-varietal expression of 100% Cabernet Franc, sourced exclusively from the sustainably farmed Nutt Road Vineyard in the cool-climate Seneca Lake AVA of New York's Finger Lakes. The 2025 vintage benefited from a cool growing season that allowed for slow, even ripening, preserving the grape's natural acidity while developing concentrated flavors and a distinct stony minerality. In the glass, it presents a striking maraschino cherry red hue, deliberately darker and more structured than a typical Provence rosé. The nose is highly aromatic, bursting with primary notes of pomegranate and ruby grapefruit, layered with secondary aromas of tomato leaf, lavender, and a subtle green herbaceous tilt. On the palate, this dry, medium-bodied rosé is impeccably balanced with zesty acidity and a slightly tannic structure, delivering flavors of watermelon hard candy and red currant that lead to a long, mineral-driven finish. Winemakers Kelby James Russell and Julia Rose Hoyle craft this wine by employing a rigorous 72-hour cold soak prior to pressing, followed by a slow, cool fermentation in stainless steel to preserve its fresh, aromatic profile. For food pairings, this structured rosé shines alongside a classic American charcuterie board with goat cheese crostini, where its bright acidity cuts through the rich fats. It is equally delightful alongside grilled wild-caught salmon, as the wine's medium body complements the char of the fish, or with a hearty roasted chicken seasoned with thyme to highlight the wine's savory herbal undertones. Critically acclaimed with a 91-point score from Ken's Wine Guide for the 2025 vintage, this wine represents remarkable affordability and exceptional value in the premium domestic rosé category at roughly $22.