This incredible rosé was just too-good-to-miss! An offer came through to me from a winery we work very closely with saying a parcel of Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir rosé was available to us under a private label. The fruit, purposefully grown, picked and pressed for rosé, is from two of the most highly regarded and sought after vineyards in the region. The rosé was originally intended to be a $30 retail wine but some supply chain issues left it needing a home. Already knowing the quality was a sure bet, tasting a sample simply confirmed this was going to be one of the best deals of the summer! The label - Diseño de California - is from by a collection of hand-drawn, sketch maps from the late 1800s depicting numerous regions of California. These basic maps or "diseños" captured key features of the landscape like mountains, hills, rivers, trees and roads. I loved how these natural features of California's dramatic landscape were captured in these sketches, in the same way this wine perfectly captures the cool-climate, heavily ocean influenced region of Sta. Rita Hills in vinous form. These historical records also serve as a reminder that these Hispanic farmers were some of the first people to recognize and define California's unique geography with this series of hand-drawn maps. Despite seldom receiving the recognition they deserve, to this day the Hispanic community continues to be the central pillar of the wine industry through hard work, resilience, and a deep connection to the land. The wine is packed with bright, juicy, red berry fruits, wild herbs, and citrus peel. The ancient ocean floor-derived soils of the region lend a delicious and complex minerality to the wine that lingers right into the next sip. This super refreshing, crisp, dry rosé has the perfect balance of bright fruit, zippy acidity and saline minerality. Move over Provence, at the price, this is set to be a staple here at K&L as long as it lasts, our staff are already buying it by the case!