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While we tend to drink “pink” wine year-round (I expect our friend Tropical John is aghast right now), the warm weather typically signals the beginning of “true” rosé season. Now that the rain has finally stopped (I know, I know, we’re pretending we didn’t see this week’s forecast), we’re looking forward to sunny skies and sharing some of our favorites.
The following California rosés are crisp and refreshing, dry and delicious, versatile and food-friendly.
County Line – Made by Eric Sussman of Radio Coteau, this rosé of Pinot Noir is our absolute benchmark. The 
appellation is Anderson Valley, with fruit picked and pressed exclusively for this bottling. Silver-pink in color, with notes of strawberry and cherry, County Line is flavorful and refreshing, with a dry, focused finish.
Cep – This is the second label of award-winning Peay Vineyards (named by the SF Chronicle as the Winery of the Year) and its first rosé offering. Like the County Line, the “Nobles Ranch” Pinot Noir rosé a purposeful wine, with grapes sourced from the Central Sonoma Coast. The taste is bright and clean, with hints of fruit and citrus. Pairs perfectly with Diavola’s salumi!
Jasmine – From Hanna Winery, this is a rosé of Merlot (blended with small amounts of Cab, Pinot, and Sauvignon Blanc). Full bodied and brilliant ruby in color, Jasmine is more robust than the typical rosé and can be enjoyed with “meatier” dishes.
Lorenza – The folks at Nick’s Cove turned us on to this excellent rosé, a blend of Carnignane, Cinsault, Mourvedre, Grenache, and Syrah. It is the second release of this lovely wine from Melinda Kearney of Intersection Wine Co. A wonderful complement to oysters and an exciting discovery!
Lucy – Drink a great rosé for a good cause. $1 of every Lucy wine sold goes to breast cancer research. Made by Gary Pisoni (one of the wine industry’s more subdued personalities) from Pinot Noir grapes grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands, it is an exuberant rosé in a bright berry color!
Quivira – This biodynamically farmed, Dry Creek Valley wine from Quivira is primarily a rosé of Grenache (10% Mourvedre). The result is a floral and fruit infused wine with a hint of spiciness. A very versatile food wine and perfect for a summer picnic!
Any other rosé fans out there?