Tasting: Oyster Bay Marlborough Rosé

Name: Oyster Bay Marlborough Rosé

Variety of Grape(s): 50% Chardonnay, 50% Pinot Noir

Region/Country of Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand

Vintage Year: 2020

Price: $13

Winery Tasting Notes: The perfect shade of Oyster Bay Rosé is produced from the delicate touch of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes, carefully selected and blended to express fruit vibrancy and delicate red berry profiles.

Marlborough is recognized as one of the world’s top winegrowing regions, and rightfully so. It’s combination of bright sunshine and cool climate create expressive fruit-driven wines unlike anywhere else. Pale rose in colour but vivid in its flavours, Oyster Bay Rosé delivers a fresh and fragrant style of wine. (oysterbaywines.com, 2022).

Wine Folly Notes: Since Oyster Bay wine had Chardonnay and Pinot Noir varietals, I took notes from both sections of Wine Folly. For the Chardonnay aspect, Wine Folly describes it as having medium body and acidity and being dry. Chardonnay has notes of yellow apple, starfruit, pineapple, vanilla, and butter. It is mostly popularly grown in France (e-text, pg. 239-240). For the Pinot Noir aspect, Wine Folly describes it as being dry, being low in body and tannins, and having medium acidity. Pinot Noir has notes of cherry, raspberry, clove, mushroom, and vanilla. It is also most popularly grown in France (e-text, pg. 352-353). I think these grape varietals complemented each other well and could understand where the flavors were coming from went smelling and tasting the wine.

My Review: I usually do not gravitate towards rosé wines, but I am trying to find ones that I enjoy. Unfortunately, I did not think this wine was good and will not be buying it again. The wine smelled acidic, floral, and buttery. It also tasted acidic and floral and was only slightly fruity. Further, I sensed a lot of earthiness that was tea-like. Nonetheless, I did not think the flavors complemented each other well. I tried this wine on its own without food.