Tasting Note This is a profound pinot noir rosé. Aromas jump from the glass —strawberry/redcurrant, fine fresh herbs leaning to evergreen, saffron and spice, with pink grapefruit joining on the finish. It is light- to mid-weight (12% ABV) with very lively acidity yet textural density and richness. The finish is herbal and pleasantly bitter, trailing the tart red fruit. Very complete and satisfying both as a refreshment and fine dining accompaniment. Think salmon, any way you serve it. 

Backgrounder 1 Mill Road is a tiny, earnest project by Ben Bryant and Katie Truscott. Ben was an accomplished winemaker in Australia before being hired into the Okanagan, where he met Katie. They purchased two small parcels in Naramata and set up production in an abandoned, voluminous and cool fruit storage “vault” at 1 Mill Road in Naramata village. Grapes come from two nearby sites, Black Pine Vineyard and Cronie Family Vineyard. According to Bryant, the 2025 growing season provided steady warmth and an early harvest, yielding fruit of “natural balance, brightness and purity.” It was fermented primarily in stainless steel with a portion aged in seasoned French oak on lees for added texture. Sugar is only two grams. After the freeze-out 2024 vintage, Bryant turned to Washington State for grenache and shiraz and made excellent wines now also on release. Plus, a rare, distinctive and successful blend of syrah and pinot noir from Washington and B.C. All three are excellent and may show up in detailed future posts. The Grenache from the Coyote Canyon Vineyard in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills AVA is particularly brilliant. Until the political situation settles out, however, Bryant says he will not be using any Washington fruit.