2019 Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve, Lawrence Estate Wine
Tasting Notes
91 points ~ Washington Wine Blog 90+ points ~ Vinous, Stephen Tanzer
Lychee, rose water, watermelon, white peach and under ripe strawberry mixed with a hint of mint. Swirling adds a chalky note and pithy stone fruit. The palate has good polish and energy with a lingering chalky minerality. Just enough fruit sweetness to add texture to the bright acidity and extend the finish. An extremely classy wine for serious rosé drinkers.
Made from two clones of Grenache, Tablas Creek and Clone 3. Picked in three pieces and macerated for 15-24 hours. This year all three parts came in from the Corfu Crossing vineyard even though the picks were separated by just over a week. A portion of the barrel fermented Winemaker Select Rosé was included to add some fruit sweetness and depth.
Vineyard Notes
Gård Vintners is 100% estate grown sustainably at Lawrence Vineyards, in the Royal Slope AVA. Featuring seven distinct vineyard sites with elevations ranging 930 feet to 1,675 feet. The combination of elevation and south-facing slope provides a great framework for grape production, while the diversity of the seven locations delivers a high level of complexity to Gård wines. Lawrence Vineyards is certified sustainable by Vinewise.org.
Inspired by the French Grand Cru wines, Gard “Grand Klasse” is our reserve-level program, aptly named in reflection of our Scandinavian heritage. It represents the top tier of Gård wines, the best of what our estate vineyard has to offer. Award-winning wines produced by winemaker Aryn Morell to showcase the quality of the Lawrence Vineyards estate. To be designated “Grand Klasse,” each wine must meet strict standards of quality and is blended, bottled and aged with the utmost of care to bring you the very best of our grapes and effort in the bottle.
Specs
Vintage: 2019
Varietal: 100% Grenache
Appellation: Royal Slope
Vineyard: Lawrence Vineyards
Designation: Grand Klasse Reserve
Aging: 8 months in 88% stainless steel and 12% French oak 500L
Alcohol: 12.50%
pH: 3.3
Cases Produced 550
Winemaker: Aryn Morell
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
6x 2019 Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve, Lawrence Estate Wine
Case:
12x 2019 Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve, Lawrence Estate Wine
Gård, meaning “farm” in many of the Scandinavian languages, is a tribute to our family’s Scandinavian heritage and farming tradition.
Our mission at Gård is to capture and bottle the unique characteristics of the land we farm. We humbly craft value-driven, award-winning wines from our sustainable estate vineyards to create lasting memories for our customers. Gård Vintners is dedicated to crafting world-class wines from its sustainably farmed estate vineyard on the Royal Slope of Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA.
Founded in 2006, Gård Vintners is a family-owned and operated estate winery in the heart of Washington’s Columbia Valley AVA, with vineyards on the Royal Slope, wine production in Walla Walla, and tasting rooms in Woodinville, Walla Walla, and Ellensburg.
The winery was founded by Josh and Lisa Lawrence, along with Josh’s dad John Lawrence and Uncle Sandy Lawrence, who had farmed the Royal Slope for more than 40 years. The winery and estate vineyard is now owned and operated by Josh and his wife, Lisa, who oversees sales and marketing, while Josh oversees the vineyard and other farm and orchard operations.
In 2011 Aryn Morell joined the team as winemaker, and winemaking is now managed at M&L Production in Walla Walla, a partnership between Morell and the Lawrences.
Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve
6 bottles for $69.99 $11.66/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $119.99 $10/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve - $20 = 14.28%
@CorTot
(rat here but not a lot of time). Poured a quick shot from Coravin, and it’s pretty darn good. Reminds me of the King Estate rosé but with a bit more strawberry and a bit less bitterness on the finish. It’s quite yummy, but work went way too late to do a proper rat analysis.
@radiolysis thanks for these notes and what you put below, I randomly have a small shipment from Gard arriving tomorrow. Not sure if it’s another attempt at a lab rat or what???
@kaolis Yeah, I looked at those numbers and thought “Wuh?” but it was 3AM so I thought maybe it was just sleepy-brain. But I know that in any case $10 for this at case price is very good. I love Northwest wines, and some of the best rosés are from this region, though I don’t know this one specifically. Just deciding on case or 1/2.
@kaolis I decided to order a case. Looking at the odd text (it says “Not for sale online,” but first link is to a page showing online case order price, so that makes no sense.) I’m guessing it was a cut/paste error or leftover text from a previous offering. In any case I knew when I put case in italics in my first post that I would probably be buying a case. Which I did. In case anyone wanted to know.
@pmarin In case you care of what I think of you buying case, well I really don’t. But given the case price you mention, that makes a pretty good case for buying a full case and not half of a case. Case closed.
@gardwine Thanks for joining. I live (mostly) in WA state, and was surprised to see the Royal Slope AVA, which I didn’t know existed. So it’s a new AVA for 2020? I’m a bit familiar with the region but nice that it got a unique AVA. Before that, were you part of Wahluke, or just “Columbia Valley” general appellation?
Also, with reference to Woody Allen, I will ask about the “pithy stone fruit.” Does it have great pith?
Fielding Mellish:
That’s very wise, you know…? That’s, I think, pithy.
@losthighwayz Nice acidity, no RS… in the words of Stephen Tanzer: “Juicy, intensely flavored, firm and quite dry, with penetrating, subtle red berry fruit flavors showing a light touch. Strong acidity frames the wine and carries the finish, but there’s no shortage of texture here. A seriously structured rosé with grip, energy and inner-mouth floral perfume.”
@pmarin Hello fellow Washingtonian (mostly)! Yes, Royal Slope was approved this fall as a new AVA - prior, we were part of the Columbia Valley AVA (situated in between Wahluke Slope and Ancient Lakes basically, just east of town of Vantage running east towards Othello).
“Pithy” - yes, that’s Bananas, but it does have a citrus pith quality on the nose, in particular.
Fruity nose–not overwhelming–(that hints at tart chalkiness) that made my mouth water on first sniff.
This wine has mellowed a lot over night. Upon drinking after first opening last night, first sips were not, what I’d call, restrained. Layered, perhaps, with (almost bracingly) tart red fruit dominating an underlying elegance. A sipper that more or less demands your attention, that I imagine folks who enjoy bold rose to really enjoy.
As I mentioned, the night in the fridge seemed to even things out. A much more integrated, less bracing, if less exciting, profile has emerged. Riper, round fruit that leaves a lingering tart-ish chalkiness.
At 10 or 12 bucks, it’s solid rose–more agreeable than roses we sell at the wine shop I work at under the $15 price point (tariffs may be partially to blame for that). At 20 bucks, I would have to recommend something else. While it may be a bit divisive (and albeit popular with folks who want bold flavor) on first opening, its mellowing out makes it an approachable sipper for anyone looking to pour rose over the winter.
@stoibskd is it similar to Provence roses? Or heavier if this makes sense. I enjoy the former which in my experience have bracing and lively acidity. Thank you
@losthighwayz Hmm, I think of provence rose as balanced and easy-going, with light fruit notes, while fuller in body–I would say based on your description, though, that you might enjoy this wine–I think this wine could be described as bracing with lively acidity (at least before mellowing out). I think it’s body certainly resembles rose from Provence.
@stoibskd thanks for getting back. I stick to the $12-$15 Provence roses so likely unfamiliar with more nuanced offerings from that region. This offer sounds promising! On last question: I sometimes get a “bite” I do not like mid to back of my tongue with some roses and whites. Makes me cringe. You taste something along these lines?
Thanks for the patience on this longer lab rat review.
Since i used the Coravin last night i pulled the cork today.
Nose: When pulled out of the fridge it was pretty shut down. Not much nose, not much anything. I most enjoyed at just below room temp. There i got lemon, bubble gum, and orange. But bubblegum like a Beaujolais or that lurking hint in carbonic wines. Nothing cloying sweet or “pink”.
Taste: Watermelon and strawberry. Tart and acidic, it definitely made my mouth water. Good weight and drank like a rich white wine. Lingers on the tongue for a very long time. @losthighwayz, you asked about a bitterness in some Provençal rosé: i don’t get that here (The worst bottle i think i’ve had was that nasty pink wine in the rose shaped bottle).
Long story short: this is good. Wife expected retail closer to $30 and was floored about the Casemates pricing.
Technical notes just cuz i like to note these things: corked with a Vinc agglomerated cork. No worry about TCA here!
@radiolysis
I also assumed that @lost was referring to bitterness when he mentioned that “bite” on his tongue with some whites and roses. I have gotten some slight bitterness myself when drinking wines straight from the fridge. It usually goes away when they warm up a little.
2019 Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve, Lawrence Estate Wine
Tasting Notes
91 points ~ Washington Wine Blog
90+ points ~ Vinous, Stephen Tanzer
Vineyard Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
6-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
$290.58 at Gård Vintners for 12x 2019 Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve, Lawrence Estate Wine
Not for sale online, $448/case MSRP
About The Winery
Gård Vintners Video
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NV, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA, WI
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Jan 4 - Tuesday, Jan 5
Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve
6 bottles for $69.99 $11.66/bottle + $1.33/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $119.99 $10/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2019 Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
Gård Vintners Rosé Grand Klasse Reserve - $20 = 14.28%
This looks like an easy buy, rats!?
@CorTot
(rat here but not a lot of time). Poured a quick shot from Coravin, and it’s pretty darn good. Reminds me of the King Estate rosé but with a bit more strawberry and a bit less bitterness on the finish. It’s quite yummy, but work went way too late to do a proper rat analysis.
@radiolysis thanks for these notes and what you put below, I randomly have a small shipment from Gard arriving tomorrow. Not sure if it’s another attempt at a lab rat or what???
@CorTot ooo. here’s hoping!
Typically $24 a bottle ($288 right?)
With case discount $290 including shipping from the winery.
So maybe “Not for sale online, $448/case MSRP” is a typo or maybe just bad math…
@kaolis Yeah, I looked at those numbers and thought “Wuh?” but it was 3AM so I thought maybe it was just sleepy-brain. But I know that in any case $10 for this at case price is very good. I love Northwest wines, and some of the best rosés are from this region, though I don’t know this one specifically. Just deciding on case or 1/2.
@kaolis I decided to order a case. Looking at the odd text (it says “Not for sale online,” but first link is to a page showing online case order price, so that makes no sense.) I’m guessing it was a cut/paste error or leftover text from a previous offering. In any case I knew when I put case in italics in my first post that I would probably be buying a case. Which I did. In case anyone wanted to know.
@pmarin In case you care of what I think of you buying case, well I really don’t. But given the case price you mention, that makes a pretty good case for buying a full case and not half of a case. Case closed.
@kaolis You say case closed, but the case will be opened when I get it.
@kaolis @pmarin
You both appear to have an acute case of caseitis!
@chipgreen @kaolis @pmarin
/giphy spiral case dive
Hello! Lisa from Gard here. Happy to answer questions today - thanks for checking out the offer!
@gardwine thanks for jumping on board. Would you consider your rose as one with zippy acidity? Any RS?
@gardwine Thanks for joining. I live (mostly) in WA state, and was surprised to see the Royal Slope AVA, which I didn’t know existed. So it’s a new AVA for 2020? I’m a bit familiar with the region but nice that it got a unique AVA. Before that, were you part of Wahluke, or just “Columbia Valley” general appellation?
Also, with reference to Woody Allen, I will ask about the “pithy stone fruit.” Does it have great pith?
@losthighwayz Nice acidity, no RS… in the words of Stephen Tanzer: “Juicy, intensely flavored, firm and quite dry, with penetrating, subtle red berry fruit flavors showing a light touch. Strong acidity frames the wine and carries the finish, but there’s no shortage of texture here. A seriously structured rosé with grip, energy and inner-mouth floral perfume.”
@pmarin Hello fellow Washingtonian (mostly)! Yes, Royal Slope was approved this fall as a new AVA - prior, we were part of the Columbia Valley AVA (situated in between Wahluke Slope and Ancient Lakes basically, just east of town of Vantage running east towards Othello).
“Pithy” - yes, that’s Bananas, but it does have a citrus pith quality on the nose, in particular.
@gardwine @pmarin Grapes for K Vintners Royal City Syrah come from royal slope … it’s his top offering … so definitely some good grapes in the area.
@ottbirdbrain @pmarin Yes, indeed! We manage the vineyard those grapes come from, in fact. Great wine!
Very pretty pale pink.
Fruity nose–not overwhelming–(that hints at tart chalkiness) that made my mouth water on first sniff.
This wine has mellowed a lot over night. Upon drinking after first opening last night, first sips were not, what I’d call, restrained. Layered, perhaps, with (almost bracingly) tart red fruit dominating an underlying elegance. A sipper that more or less demands your attention, that I imagine folks who enjoy bold rose to really enjoy.
As I mentioned, the night in the fridge seemed to even things out. A much more integrated, less bracing, if less exciting, profile has emerged. Riper, round fruit that leaves a lingering tart-ish chalkiness.
At 10 or 12 bucks, it’s solid rose–more agreeable than roses we sell at the wine shop I work at under the $15 price point (tariffs may be partially to blame for that). At 20 bucks, I would have to recommend something else. While it may be a bit divisive (and albeit popular with folks who want bold flavor) on first opening, its mellowing out makes it an approachable sipper for anyone looking to pour rose over the winter.
@stoibskd is it similar to Provence roses? Or heavier if this makes sense. I enjoy the former which in my experience have bracing and lively acidity. Thank you
@losthighwayz Hmm, I think of provence rose as balanced and easy-going, with light fruit notes, while fuller in body–I would say based on your description, though, that you might enjoy this wine–I think this wine could be described as bracing with lively acidity (at least before mellowing out). I think it’s body certainly resembles rose from Provence.
@stoibskd thanks for getting back. I stick to the $12-$15 Provence roses so likely unfamiliar with more nuanced offerings from that region. This offer sounds promising! On last question: I sometimes get a “bite” I do not like mid to back of my tongue with some roses and whites. Makes me cringe. You taste something along these lines?
I was just saying yesterday that we needed a good Rose and it’s not available in SC.
Boooo… Hissss…
I want this but no love on shipping to NJ!!
Gard is always shipping to NJ (just check my basement) what gives???
Thanks for the patience on this longer lab rat review.
Since i used the Coravin last night i pulled the cork today.
Nose: When pulled out of the fridge it was pretty shut down. Not much nose, not much anything. I most enjoyed at just below room temp. There i got lemon, bubble gum, and orange. But bubblegum like a Beaujolais or that lurking hint in carbonic wines. Nothing cloying sweet or “pink”.
Taste: Watermelon and strawberry. Tart and acidic, it definitely made my mouth water. Good weight and drank like a rich white wine. Lingers on the tongue for a very long time. @losthighwayz, you asked about a bitterness in some Provençal rosé: i don’t get that here (The worst bottle i think i’ve had was that nasty pink wine in the rose shaped bottle).
Long story short: this is good. Wife expected retail closer to $30 and was floored about the Casemates pricing.
Technical notes just cuz i like to note these things: corked with a Vinc agglomerated cork. No worry about TCA here!
Thanks all!
@radiolysis
I also assumed that @lost was referring to bitterness when he mentioned that “bite” on his tongue with some whites and roses. I have gotten some slight bitterness myself when drinking wines straight from the fridge. It usually goes away when they warm up a little.
/giphy miniature-shivering-jubilance
I really enjoy Gard’s red blends. In for 6!
/giphy legendary-twinkling-magic