The Tasting Breakdown: Strong in the Paint
First pour? Clean copper-pink. No gimmicks. No neon blush.
On the nose: fresh strawberry, a little watermelon rind, and that subtle Lake Michigan minerality that reminds me why our shoreline is a quiet weapon. There’s a light citrus lift — think pink grapefruit zest — that keeps it sharp.
Take a sip.
This isn’t soft and sweet. It’s structured. Crisp entry. Mid-palate tension. Bright acidity that keeps the ball moving. No heavy oak distractions. No sugary fadeaway.
It tastes like:
- Fresh berries
- A hint of peach skin
- Clean, saline finish
- That cool-climate snap we get off the lake
You know what this reminds me of? A point guard who knows how to distribute. Not flashy. Just makes everyone around it better.
Price Check: Is It a Slam Dunk?
Sale Price: $26.49 with card
Buy 6+: $23.84 per bottle
Let’s be realistic.
Imported Provence rosé from solid producers is running $18–$25 right now. Big-name brands? $22–$28. Boutique Napa rosé? $30+.
At $23.84 for estate-grown Lake Michigan fruit? That’s competitive.
Could you find cheaper rosé? Sure. But you’ll lose structure. You’ll lose acidity. You’ll lose local story.
This is mid-tier pricing with upper-tier balance.
I’d call it a high-percentage shot from the elbow. Not flashy. Efficient.
David vs. Goliath: Why Local Matters
Let’s cut to the chase.
The national rosé brands have marketing budgets bigger than most Michigan wineries’ annual revenue. They control shelf space. They dominate summer ads.
Filkins doesn’t have that.
What they do have:
- Estate vineyards on the Lake Michigan Shore
- Cool climate discipline
- Precision farming
- A clear house style
Supporting bottles like this isn’t charity. It’s investing in your own roster.
If we don’t support our Lake Michigan AVA producers, corporate brands will keep running full-court press on shelf space.
And we lose depth on our bench.
Where This Wine Wins: Pairing Plays
This rosé thrives with:
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Lake perch tacos
- Barbecue chicken
- That barbecue zucchini boat your partner makes from the garden
- Fresh Michigan strawberries and burrata
The acidity cuts through fat. The fruit complements smoke. The finish refreshes.
I’d even take this tailgating before a Michigan vs. Michigan State game. Chill it hard. Pour it confidently.
This isn’t “ladies night” rosé.
This is versatile.
Final Verdict: Starting Five Material
Is it revolutionary?
No.
Is it balanced, regionally expressive, and fairly priced?
Absolutely.
At $23.84 when you buy six, this is a smart roster addition for spring and summer.
You’re supporting Lake Michigan Shore growers. You’re getting real acidity. You’re avoiding sugar bombs.
That’s a clean box score.
