Lucia vineyards "Lucy" Rose of Pinot Noir 2005

I was at Vintage Wine and Spirits not too long ago looking for some summer wine and was introduced to Lucy. Now Lucy, from Lucia Vineyards in ..... ah ..... Cloverdale, California(?) (according to the label). Not the Santa Lucia Highlands somewhere mid-state. The website says Gonzales, California, which is closer to the mark. But you will need to contact them to sort this out. If you care.

What is notable are the participants. Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni of Gary's Vineyard fame, and the Pisoni family of similar fame. Do a google search for both and you get the idea... (Links provided.) Ok. If you looked these up you see that Pisoni is owned by one of the two Gary's, and Gary's is owned by two Gary's, and the first Gary, Gary Franscioni, makes Roar Wines, (no you can't have any, it's mine, all mine) and the other Gary, Gary Pisoni, makes Pisoni and Lucia Vineyards wines (this review). Got it? Just to confuse matters more, there are a bunch more Pisoni's involved and if memory serves Gary Francioni is married to Rosella Franscioni who has some connection to the other Garys.

Just when you put these connections together, you find out that Adam & Dianna Lee of Siduri Wines, makes Gary's Roar wine, and someone else makes Gary's wines. Ok. My head just exploded, but I am fairly confident that no incest is going on here.

And yes, all of them make vineyard labeled wines not only from the above named Pisoni and Gary's vineyards, but also the lovely Rosella's vineyard. As do many other wineries. They grow good fruit. Pay attention. GOOD FRUIT!

This Rose is from Pinot Noir, but like many Roses is not vineyard specific. Roses are often from the early pressings that spend less time with the skins and have less color. The wine can be dry and acidic or semi-sweet. Lucy is the former. And this is what I expect out of a good Rose. Dry, fruity, and complementary to many foods. Slightly chilled it is a nice beverage for a summer party day or night. And please; do not confuse these Roses with white Zinfandel or some cheap Rose you drank in college. This is Rose as high art. But fortunately not as expensive as a full blown Pinot. (It's $17.99 at Vintage Wine & Spirits)

Lucy is light, fresh, smells good, and lightly chilled is nicely refreshing. (Hmmmm. Nope not touching that!)

Not all Rose is Pinot. It can be made from just about any red grape so go out and try some. You'll like it. I promise!