This is so far my favorite Washington Rosé. Mind, I have only tried two other Washington Rosés,
Colombia Crest's Two Vines Rosé, and Gordon Brothers Rosé. Both were quite enjoyable, but this Chateau Ste. Michelle Columbia Vallen 2007 Dry Rosé does stand out. Syrah grapes were pressed and processed in Eastern Washington, at the winery Chateau Ste. Michelle uses for most red wine production. The juice was then cold fermented at the white wine production facility in Woodinville, Washington. There's a small amount (2%) of Grenache added as well. Most of the juice was fermented in stainless steel tanks, with the remainder aged in neutral oak barrels. Wine Spectator gave the wine 87 points in June of 2009.
This is definitely dry Rosé, but it's not without the fruit scent and berry qualities you expect from a mostly Syrah wine. It's pleasant on its own, but it is absolutely superb with food. The fruit qualities of Syrah are enhanced by the dryness; it's a sweet-sour combination of raspberry and slightly sour cherry, a description that really doesn't do this very pretty wine justice. This is my pick for a wine to serve with the Thanksgiving turkey; I think it will be fabulous. It lists for $23.00, but I've been seeing it locally for under $8.00.
The "Nellie's Garden" name on the label refers to the garden of Nellie Stimson, who was initially responsible for the lovely gardens on the Chateau Ste. Michelle grounds.