Introduction: Sean Minor Wines is a family-owned négociant label founded in 2005 by winemaker Sean Minor and his wife Nicole — originally named Four Bears Winery in honor of their four children. A UC Davis-trained viticulturist and enologist with experience at Beaulieu Vineyard, King Estate, Benton-Lane, and Renwood Winery, Sean built his brand on a simple but disciplined idea: source from California's best sustainable growers, invest in long-term relationships over bricks and mortar, and deliver wines that are genuinely true to their terroir and variety without the premium price tag. The California Series Rosé of Pinot Noir is the entry point to that philosophy — a bright, fruit-forward, beach-ready rosé that punches well above its weight class and earned 91 points from Wine Enthusiast for the 2024 vintage.

Terroir: The California Series draws from multiple cool-climate growing sites along the Central Coast, spanning appellations from Monterey through Santa Barbara County — a stretch of coastline defined by maritime fog, afternoon wind, and a long, temperate growing season that builds natural acidity and preserves bright fruit character in Pinot Noir. Rather than relying on a single vineyard, Sean Minor's strength here is his network of long-term grower contracts with sustainable farms strategically positioned near the marine influence of the Pacific, ensuring consistent quality and varietal expression across the appellation blend.

Appearance: Salmon pink with a clear, luminous hue — bright and inviting in the glass with good clarity and a light, fluid body.

Nose: Fresh and lively, with red berries, strawberry, and guava leading the way alongside notes of watermelon and a hint of citrus zest. The aromatics are clean and expressive without any heaviness — exactly what you want from a well-made California Pinot Noir rosé.

Palate: Light to medium-bodied and refreshing, with flavors of orange zest, strawberry, and pink grapefruit carried by a bright, mouthwatering acidity. The 24-hour skin contact during the saignée process adds just enough color and red fruit texture to keep things interesting, while stainless steel fermentation with native yeasts preserves the wine's natural freshness and fruit purity. The finish is dry and clean — no residual sweetness to weigh it down.

Finish: Crisp and clean with lingering citrus and berry notes and a pleasant mineral dryness on the close. Short to medium in length and completely refreshing.

Food Pairings:
🥩 Meat: Prosciutto-wrapped melon, grilled shrimp tacos, or smoked salmon with crème fraîche 
🥦 Vegetarian: Caprese salad, watermelon and feta, or light vegetable flatbread with fresh herbs
🧀 Charcuterie Board: Fresh mozzarella, mild goat cheese, sliced strawberries, marcona almonds, and thinly sliced salami

Overall Impression: The 2024 Sean Minor Rosé of Pinot Noir is exactly what a well-priced California rosé should be — fruit-forward, dry, and built entirely for immediate pleasure. It delivers genuine varietal character from cool-climate Central Coast fruit at an everyday price point, making it one of the more overachieving bottles in its category. Serve well-chilled at 45–50°F; drink now.

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 11.5%
Farming Practices: Conventional viticulture; long-term grower contracts with sustainable, experienced farms across California's Central Coast AVA; no estate vineyards
Producer Name: Sean Minor Wines (Four Bears Winery, LLC)
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: United States
Region: Central Coast AVA, California
Grape Varietals: Pinot Noir 100%
Vintage: 2024
Wine Style: Dry Rosé — Light-bodied, fruit-forward, and unoaked with a clean strawberry, citrus, and watermelon profile. Approachable and crowd-pleasing; built entirely for immediate enjoyment.
Rosé Winemaking Techniques: Saignée method rosé; 24 hours of skin contact; native yeast fermentation; fermented entirely in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit character
Pack Size: 750ml
Container Style: Glass bottle
Closure Style: Screw Cap