2017 Si Vintners 'Sophie' Rosé

Region: Margaret River < Australia

Grapes: Pinot Noir

Vineyard/Cellar Stats: Biodynamic farming; 40-year old vines on Karri loam over decomposed granite/white clay soils; whole cluster pressed then fermented in concrete eggs, followed by 8 months ageing in old French barriques; battonage for the first 3 months; bottled unfined/unfiltered with minimal added SO2; 90 cases; 12% ABV

Winemaker: Iwo Jakimowicz and Sarah Morris

Polish-born Iwo Jakimowicz and Sarah Morris spent over a decade traveling the wine world, from new to old, working back-to-back harvests in Europe and Australia before settling down on a 30-acre property just 10 minutes from Margaret River in 2010. Their mature vines, planted in 1978, are now farmed along biodynamic lines – pretty rare in this very conventional wine region best known for the massive Shiraz of Aussie infamy.  This lovely rosé, or a short-macerated skin contact pinot noir, depending on how you look at it, is fresh and complex, with layers of tart strawberry, savory herbs and crushed rock minerality.  Super delicious and versatile.  To (mis)quote the legendary Dr. Seuss, I would drink this in a car, or in a bar, on a rock or without socks.  In other words, it goes anywhere, with anything, quite seamlessly.