Let’s start with my friendship with Nicola. It all began ahem many, many moons ago — circa 13 years old. We lived on opposite sides of the park: she was Burnage and Oasis (yes, that Oasis), and I was Levenshulme, hanging out with the Gallagher brothers. There was a brief but fierce 13-year-old girl rivalry, which we sorted in a three-minute showdown of awkward stares and half-formed insults — classic teenage diplomacy.
Since then, we’ve done it all: vacations, bridesmaid duties, family losses, and too many inside jokes to count. Fast forward to her first trip to Chicago — 9 full days together after years of fleeting UK visits. It was the kind of fun that makes your cheeks hurt from smiling (and maybe from the wine).
And, as you all know, no friends’ reunion is complete without a shameless blog segment. So here we are, putting the Hill Family Estate Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023 to the ultimate test: Nicola’s taste buds. Let the (slightly chaotic) interview begin…
Me: OK Nicola, let’s start with the look. Hold the glass up to the light and tell me what you see.
Nicola: I think it matches my hair color.
Me: Your hair? Pink like… very pink? Did we wander into Barbie’s vineyard?
Nicola: It’s kind of like an orange rosé, as opposed to pinky-red peach. But maybe that’s just my eyes (or the jet lag).
Me: Okay, now get your nose in there — no holding back. What do you get on the nose?
Nicola: I think I might have a problem with my nose. I wanted it to smell like Hubba Bubba gum, but it smells fresh instead.
Me: Fresh is a good start. Less bubblegum, more “grown-up on holiday in Provence” vibe. Now, give it a swirl — flat on the table, please, we don’t need any splatter art. Anything new?
Nicola: I can smell fruit… and maybe a lawn? Is that even a thing? Sorry for butchering the wine language.
Side note: Nicola is making all the faces right now — she’s basically doing interpretive dance with her nose.
Me: Okay, big moment: take a sip and hold it on the front of your tongue. First impressions?
Nicola: Oh! Strawberries and maybe exotic fruits! It’s so soft and approachable. Like the friend who always brings snacks to the party. I think I need a bit more to confirm…
Me: We’re professionals here, Nicola, it’s all in the name of research. Now, sip again, hold it a second longer — what’s the verdict?
Nicola: Oh! That ending is good and long. It just stays with you — fruity, lots of fresh strawberries, but not quite as bold as raspberries. It’s like sharp at first, then smooth.
Me: Love the analogy. Okay, one last test. Sip like you would at a wine bar, close your eyes… what do you feel?
Nicola: That’s like a little smile in the glass.
Me: Yes! Now we’re getting poetic. Any more flavors or feelings coming out?
Nicola: I’m on a roll… Strawberries, memories, lasting moments, and big smiles. I love this wine. Wait — what is it again? Hill Family Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023? I love it. Can we have another glass, please?
To wrap up…
Nicola’s final verdict? This rosé is basically the liquid version of an old friend who shows up with a suitcase full of laughs and leaves you wondering where the time (and the bottles) went. It’s soft, fruity, and unexpectedly smooth — like mine and Nicola’s regained Mancunian accent after a few glasses.
Whether you’re reminiscing about teenage showdowns in the park, plotting your next girls’ getaway, or just looking for a wine that feels like a hug and a wink at the same time, Hill Family Rosé of Pinot Noir 2023 is your new partner in crime.
As for us? We’ll be over here, finishing the bottle, making more strawberry analogies, and planning which wine to try next. Cheers to long friendships, long finishes, and long afternoons spent sipping and giggling.
✨ Food Pairing
Cheese & charcuterie board — Think creamy brie, mild gouda, and some fresh berries. Great for long giggly afternoons with friends.
WINEMAKERS NOTES
The charm of a lovely dry Rosé provides wine drinkers with a wonderful excuse to sit outside and enjoy the tradition of Rosé on the terrace or balcony. Knittle Vineyard is located on a nice stony terrace with a gentle slope to the east. The 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir offers aromas of kiwi, guava and orange blossom. The palate is crisp and dry, with bright citrus and strawberry flavors that lead to a clean and refreshing finish.
Nicola’s Rating… (My Ratings and What they Mean)
