June Wine Winners
As summer unfolds, our June Wine Tasting brought a vibrant and diverse lineup that truly captured the spirit of the season. From refreshing rosés to bold red blends, this month’s winners showcased exceptional craftsmanship and exciting expressions from vineyards around the world. Whether you’re seeking crisp, food-friendly whites or complex reds, our June selections offered something special for every palate. Join us as we dive into the stories, tasting notes, and perfect pairings of these standout wines that stole the spotlight this month!
Villa Wolf Pinot Noir Rosé – Pfalz, Germany
Villa Wolf traces its roots back to 1756 as the J.L. Wolf estate. After periods of decline in the 20th century, German Riesling legend Ernst Loosen (of Dr. Loosen) acquired the estate in 1996, setting off a renaissance. Today co-managed by Sumi Gebauer and Patrick Möllendorf, Villa Wolf champions sustainable viticulture and low-intervention winemaking. Farms organically since 2021, they practice spontaneous fermentations and use large neutral oak to preserve purity and reflect Pfalz terroir.
What the Estate Is Known For:
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Crisp, fruit-driven Pinot Noir rosés with minerality
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Authentic expression of Pfalz terroir via Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot varieties
Tasting Notes: A delicate yet vibrant rosé with a pale salmon color. Aromas of fresh strawberries, red currants, and a hint of rose petals lead into a crisp, refreshing palate. Bright acidity balances subtle minerality and a touch of citrus zest, making it a lively and elegant wine perfect for warm days.
Fun Fact: The Pinot Noir Rosé is specifically macerated for color and crafted to accompany meals, especially holiday ham, with a refreshing, zesty finish.
Guigal Rosé – Rhône Valley, France
Établissements Guigal was founded in 1946 by Étienne Guigal in Ampuis, Côte-Rôtie—an area with winemaking traditions spanning 2,400 years . Managed by Étienne's son Marcel Guigal from 1961, and now by grandson Philippe, the family expanded heavily, acquiring Vidal-Fleury in 1984 and key Rhône vineyards. Guigal is renowned for its “No Pains, No Gains” ethos—meticulous fieldwork, indigenous yeast fermentations, and precise oak maturation. Their innovative fall-in-new-wood practices in Côte-Rôtie sparked controversy but earned major acclaim.
What the Estate Is Known For:
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Côte-Rôtie “La La’s”: La Mouline, La Landonne, La Turque
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High-quality dry rosés in the Rhône since the 1940s
Tasting Notes: This rosé offers a vivid bouquet of wild strawberries, watermelon, and subtle floral notes. On the palate, it’s juicy and medium-bodied with a pleasant minerality and refreshing acidity. Soft hints of spice and a clean, dry finish make it versatile for pairing with a wide range of dishes.
Fun Fact: Their 2003 “La La” Côte-Rôties once reached up to $800 per bottle. This is record-setting for Rhône wines.
Bertani Due Uve White – Veneto, Italy
Bertani Winery was established in 1857 by Giovan Battista and Gaetano Bertani in Valpolicella—a storied estate over 150 years old . The historic Villa Mosconi Bertani, built in the early 1700s, remains their heart. While honoring tradition (royal accreditation, early Amarone export), Bertani blends innovation—modern tech and viticulture—with heritage respect.
What the Estate Is Known For:
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Pioneers of Amarone production
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Due Uve blends, including Sauvignon‑Pinot Grigio whites
Tasting Notes: A beautifully balanced white blend with aromas of green apple, pear, and white peach, complemented by subtle floral and herbal nuances. The palate is crisp and medium-bodied, featuring bright citrus and stone fruit flavors with a smooth texture and a refreshing finish.
Fun Fact: The Due Uve Blanco follows an 1889-era blending formula, with 1930s-style packaging evoking its heritage.
DeLille Cellars Métier Red Blend – Washington State, USA
Founded in 1992 by Jay Soloff, Charles and Greg Lill, and winemaker Chris Upchurch, with initial guidance from Master of Wine David Lake Métier is DeLille’s value-driven second label for experimental blends. DeLille focuses on Bordeaux varietals and Rhône-style blends, sourcing fruit from top AVAs like Red Mountain, using 100% French oak. They earned "Winery of the Year" from The New York Times in 2000. Métier embodies approachable complexity—fruit-forward yet structured.
What the Estate Is Known For:
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Premier Washington Bordeaux-style blends
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Bold Rhône-style wines with age-worthy structure
Tasting Notes: A rich, layered red with aromas of black cherry, blackberry, and dark plum, underscored by notes of cocoa, leather, and a touch of earthy spice. On the palate, it’s full-bodied and well-structured with firm but polished tannins, balanced acidity, and a long, lingering finish.
Fun Fact: The 2021 Métier Red Blend scored 91 points from Jeb Dunnuck, praised for its dark fruit, peppery herbs, leather, and earthy elegance
Language of Yes Cuvée Sinso – Central Coast, California
Founded by Randall Graham of Bonny Doon fame, Language of Yes reflects his joyful, unorthodox homage to Southern France’s La Langue d’Oc culture. Graham co-ferments about 64 % Cinsault with Syrah, Grenache, Tannat, and Viognier, embracing minimal intervention and respect for the terroir. Techniques include post-harvest air-drying and cofermentation over two weeks to capture texture and aromatic depth.
What the Estate Is Known For:
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Inspired by Provençal structure and positivity
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Expressive, aromatic Grenache/Syrah/Cinsault-blends
Tasting Notes: This unique blend greets you with aromatic notes of red cherry, violet, and exotic spices. The palate is silky yet vibrant, featuring juicy red fruit, hints of pepper, and a touch of herbal earthiness. It’s a smooth, expressive wine with balanced acidity and a lively finish that invites another sip.
Fun Fact: This wine’s name, Sinso, is inspired by a medieval Occitan word meaning “wise” or “clever,” perfectly reflecting the thoughtful blend and playful spirit behind the wine.
Bottom Line
The June winners spotlight a world of wine. From classic vineyards of Pflaz, Germany to the creative, bold blends of California. What they all share between the wines and wine philosophies is respect for terroir, clever wine-making techniques, and enjoyment in drinking the wines.