Summer of Appendix

So rather than really writing about my rose finds this summer - sorry readers - ended up tweeting - blame my appendix for wreaking havoc on my summer plans!  Unfortunately, given that I was pretty tired all summer I did not quite get through as many rose as I had hoped.  After tasting though here are my top four gems that I thought I would pass along (all of which I found at Esquin Wine Merchants:

• Biehler Rose (always good): Little fruitier this year; doesn't need food - pairs perfectly with a hot sunny day and spicy BBQ chicken
• Efeste Babbit Rose: Dry and crisp - definitely my favorite find of the summer.  Typically only available for wine club members - but they released to the general public this year.  If you haven't tried their riesling - its also fairly dry and one of my faves from Washington. Their Syrah is also incredible - can't pick a fave as every style they produce is beautiful, rich in color and taste, and reminds me of fall. 
• Chinook Rose: 100% Cabernet Franc - need I say more?  This bottle (or should I say bottles in our case) definitely remains one of my favorite roses of all time!  After you swirl in your glass a bit you get heavenly aromas of strawberry that would make you think this wine might be a bit on the sweeter side - happily to report for those of you averse to sweet wine this is a very dry rose that seriously was designed to be paired with a grilled king salmon, roasted potatoes, and fresh green beans.  Definitely worth visiting the winery and if you need a lighter bodied red - their Cabernet Franc is IMO one of the best to come out of Washington.
• Triennes Rose: French - from Province - so totally that nice dry style rose.  I have to say I prefer it to the Biehler now as it is just so easy to drink and pairs so well with food.  This one is a must try from Esquin.

My next adventure over the coming week is to find the perfect boxed wine.  Heading to Ely, Minnesota where boxed wine is an art form given that you can't take glass bottles into the Boundary Waters.  If you have any suggestions for things to try I'd love to hear from you.