This pinot noir rosé is the first release from vineyard to bottle for Ben Bryant and Katie Truscott, the new stewards of 1 Mill Road. This release reflects a new direction for the brand, not just in terms of the stunning new packaging, but also the addition of their inaugural rosé.
The Okanagan needs more brands like 1 Mill Road and more people like Ben and Katie. Originally from Australia, Ben moved to the Okanagan in 2018 to take the position of Winemaker at Mission Hill. He was previously the Chief Winemaker Australia for Pernod Ricard, where he oversaw admired labels like Jacobs Creek.
His partner, Katie, oversees sales and marketing. After a decade-long stint in South Africa, she returned home to the Okanagan in 2018. Day-to-day, she's the Sales and Marketing Manager at Kitsch Wines in East Kelowna, where she leads some of the most innovative marketing in the Okanagan.
Together, they are producing delicious, terroir-driven wines at 1 Mill Road while raising the bar for the Okanagan.
Tasting Note
It's all about restraint, reflecting the North Okanagan terroir of the East Kelowna Slopes from which the fruit is sourced, as well as the moderate 2022 vintage. Clocking in at just 12.2% abv, it shows a combination of bright pink grapefruit and delicate red berries, accented by a subtle floral accent. There's lovely purity and balance, bone dry (0.3 g/L residual sugar) without being austere, in a style that is immensely moreish.
Food Pairing
Watermelon, feta, and mint salad