Willow Bridge Rosa de Solana 2014

I feel a bit gloomy opening these Willow Bridge wines. RIP Simon Burnell.

Anyway, this Tempranillo Rose (with 12% Semillon) is nice wine, again.

Very light pink with an orange hue, this announces itself with strawberry, a little ferny undergrowth and background musky aftershave. Very winey and utterly serious, the dry, high acid palate has a smoky edge, all shaped very dry acidity. Almost too dry really, but it sure makes for some freshness and clarity.

Ultimately this is a step up over many similarly priced rose. Perhaps a little lean, but the shapes are good – the product of a clever winemaker. Not sure what is going to happen with this label now the key (human) driver of the quality has gone…

Details: 13.4%, Screwcap, $25
Tasted: April 2015 (sample)
Best drinking: 2015-2017
Score: 17/20, 90/100
Would I buy it? A glass would do.
Buy online: Willow Bridge website