2021 Malene Rosé

92 points, Wine Enthusiast
Malene is uniquely dedicated to producing rosé with a Provençal flair and the warm, long growing season on the Central Coast is about as Provençal as it gets in California. We make our wines sustainably and simply with an uncompromising commitment to quality and in partnership with farmers who share in our values. We source the Grenache and Mourvedre grapes that make up the majority of the blend for our Malene Rosé from two of the top vineyards in the Santa Ynez Valley for these varieties - Zaca Mesa & Camp 4. Zaca Mesa was one of the first vineyards planted in the Santa Ynez Valley in 1973 - a relatively warm and elevated site with early ripening and rocky soils that are ideal for Grenache. Camp 4 is planted on sandy loam soil that are ideal for a naturally vigorous variety such as Mourvedre and benefits from cool afternoon breezes that blow east from the Pacific through the Santa Rita Hills. Sustainably produced at our SIP (Sustainability in Practice) Certified winery and honestly delicious, Malene is rosé vibes only.
This wine shows a pale peach hue with vibrant luminosity. The wine opens with complex aromas of stone fruit, watermelon, lychee, crushed oyster shells and a delicate hint of fresh floral. The palate is clean and focused with long, lean acid and savory minerality.