Apollo’s Praise Nutt Road Rose 2025

Apollo’s Praise was founded in 2023 by winemakers Kelby James Russell and Julia Rose Hoyle in New York’s Finger Lakes region. Both previously worked at Fox Run Vineyards before becoming head winemakers at Red Newt Cellars and Hosmer Winery, respectively. In 2023, they purchased Lahoma Vineyard on the western side of Seneca Lake, where Kelby had worked extensively with the fruit during his tenure at Red Newt. Their focus is on producing expressive, site specific wines that highlight the distinctive character of the Finger Lakes, particularly riesling and cabernet franc. The name Apollo’s Praise reflects Kelby’s background in music and his passion for winemaking.

The estate practices sustainable viticulture, with an emphasis on careful vineyard management and preserving soil health. The Nutt Road Vineyard, however, is not part of their estate holdings. It is farmed by Peter Martini of Anthony Road Wine Company on the Dresden Bench along Seneca Lake. This gently sloping, east facing vineyard benefits from excellent sun exposure and the moderating influence of the lake, allowing cabernet franc to develop ripe fruit while retaining the vibrant acidity characteristic of the region. Kelby has worked with fruit from this vineyard since 2013, making it a particularly meaningful site for the winery.

The 2025 Nutt Road Rosé is made entirely from cabernet franc, with a style inspired more by the structured rosés of Tavel than the delicate wines of Provence. The grapes undergo a 72 hour cold soak on their skins before pressing, giving the wine its vivid pink color and substantial texture. Fermentation takes place at cool temperatures in stainless steel, followed by élevage on the fermentation lees until January 2026, when the wine is racked, filtered and bottled. No oak is used. The resulting wine is completely dry, with 432 cases produced.

The wine opens with aromas of raspberry, grapefruit and passionfruit, followed by ripe berry, blood orange and apricot on the palate. Its generous fruit is balanced by lively acidity, subtle tannic grip and a long, slightly savory finish. Richer and more structured than a typical pale rosé, it is equally suited to drinking on its own or alongside food.