Our Take: Delicate and feather-light, the 2025 First Man Rosé of Pinot Noir offers subtle aromas of wild strawberry, white peach, and citrus blossom with a whisper of fresh herbs. The palate is airy and graceful, carried by bright acidity and a fine mineral thread that leads to a clean, refreshing finish.

From the winery: Since 2017 we have used the lower field of 790 total plants to press juice for a lightly-hued Rosé. Fermented in stainless drums and one neutral barrel, we try to capture the pretty side of the aromatic spectrum of Pinot with the freshness and gentle touch of still blanc de noir. “First Man” was named for Adam and Jennifer Radtke’s personally developed and farmed vineyard in the Patton Valley, a docile river valley in the Coast Range foothills a few miles West of the small town of Gaston. Their property helps form the Southern border of what is now known as the Tualatin Hills AVA, and like the neighboring Yamhill-Carlton District, shares the ancient marine sedimentary soils that classify this growing region, producing relatively small clusters yielding earth-driven, savory wines. This sub valley is marginally cool, and tends to ripen slower than many of its neighbors to the South and East. The 19 acre property includes 14 acres of mature forest on the upper ridge, sloping gradually to the South and East, with two distinct parcels covered in vine at the base of the property. First Man remains the only “monopole” in the Violin range.