p>  Roses: Just like I said it would, traditional style won out. Well, except for a couple of tongue in cheek ass-pulls. And, oddly–more Italians than Frenchies, weird. Here were the highlights:

  Wineglass Cellars Rose of Sangiovese - The double take off the night. From Washington, where most roses come out rooty tooty fruity (not fresh)–this wine had a punch of red fruit and a dry, refreshing finish. Without a trace of that cheap, banana-candyish fake fruit flavor.

  L’Uvaggio di Giacomo Barbera Rose - The whole "Cal-Ital" angle is a bust. Nobody cares. Probably because any "Ital" ian grape will cost less and taste better if it’s actually from ITALY! That being said, this property in California puts forth the best effort with Italian grapes outside of the Nonna-land.

  Alois Lageder Lagrien Rose - Alois Lageder. The daper gentleman from the north. Elegant wines, always. Lagrien is something near a lighter, minerally syrah. This rose, likewise, comes off almost French-like, but has a back of the mouth tang (I can’t explain better than that)–the fruitiest of the bunch, but it a good way. Check them out HERE .

  Routas Rose - (reviewed a few days ago) The palest blush of the bunch, cleeeeean with an intense hit of ripe raspberry, with all the tangy, zippy acidity on the finish.