Wine ReviewRosé2023

If you have been following me for any amount of time you know I am always chasing incre…

AJ
A.J. Weinzettel· Wine journalist & podcaster
If you have been following me for any amount of time you know I am always chasing incre…
Vintage: 2023RoséAponaWillamette Valley, Oregon

Tasting Notes

If you have been following me for any amount of time you know I am always chasing incredible stories, unforgettable wines, and bottles we do not often hear about in Oregon. So let me ask you this: how much Sangiovese have you tried from Oregon? I have not had much either. My neighbor once made a barrel a few years back and it was tasty, but beyond that, it is rare to come across. Before I dive into the wine, let’s talk a little about Apona (@aponavineyards). A little bird from Walnut Ridge told me about this winery and I was more than pleasantly surprised. This is a must-visit spot if you are in the Eugene area. They just finished a beautiful outdoor space for summer and are working on a large tasting room that I cannot wait to see when it is complete. Afton and Andrew are doing amazing work and it shows. Now to the wine. The 2023 Rosé of Sangiovese from Apona Vineyards was as much of a surprise as the property itself when I first pulled into the driveway. For context, when you see Chianti in the store it is typically Sangiovese. I usually think of the varietal as big, bold, and full of tannins. When I hear Rosé, I often expect a sharp edge that is not really my style. But this wine? It was an absolute pleasure. Smooth from entry to finish, structured yet elegant, and free of that sharpness I usually brace for. I will be diving deeper into Apona in my October newsletter. Be sure to hit the link in my bio to learn more about them. 👇 👇 👇 🍷 Would you like a Saturday morning email once a month to enjoy with your coffee, full of insider tips on events, wine news, and an in-depth feature on a winery? It only takes a few seconds to sign up for my monthly newsletter. Link in bio 🥂 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷 🍷

About Weinnotes

AJ

A.J. Weinzettel

Wine journalist and podcaster dedicated to discovering the hidden gems of Oregon wine country. Every week, A.J. brings you inside the Willamette Valley — winemaker interviews, tasting notes, and stories you won't find anywhere else.

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