Wine Reviews

92

Merriam 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($30)

Thai lime, jasmine, and meringue materialize on the nose with fleeting wisps of spun honey. This Sauvignon Blanc has a satiny softness and the palate surges with lemon verbena, white tea leaves and green apple alongside a nimble acidity.

97

Nickel & Nickel 2023 Branding Iron Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley ($135)

Built to last, tannins are svelte and architecturally sound. Graphite and black tea add grip and verve, ascending in depth and flavor with each sip.

97

Nickel & Nickel 2023 C.C. Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($135)

A creamy lava flow of spiced pomegranate, red tea, and vanilla-coated cherries. Distinctively fresh, with white pepper and hyacinth, its focused acidity brings it to a high energy finish.

99

Nickel & Nickel 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, John C. Sullenger Vineyard, Oakville, Napa Valley ($135)

Dried lavender and mulberry are fine contenders for attention. This fragrant and well-tempered red shows restraint amidst its broad, generous demeanor. Licorice, leather, soy sauce, and purple plum weave through a mineral core to a most elegant finish.

98

Nickel & Nickel 2023 De Carle Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($135)

Sinewy and tense, its dusty raspberry-skin tannins melding with a rich, mineral core. Engaged with dried lavender, jasmine and a hint of iron, the wine boasts a juicy nature, revealing black cherry washing over spiced cedar.

93

Nozzole 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy ($29)

Showcasing hints of sun-soaked leather, violets, paprika and a touch of char, you are instantly transported to the hills of Tuscany. The mouthfeel is elegant with a radiant warmth and sinewy tannins throughout. The signature tart cherry note accompanies a round, pleasing finish.

96

On Q 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley ($215)

Plush and concentrated, with deep dive notes of blueberry, violets, and black cherry-filled dark chocolate cedar. Beautifully sleek tannins and an elegant mouthfeel.

93

Panther Creek 2023 Winemaker’s Cuvée Pinot Noir, Wilamette Valley, Oregon ($22)

) This is a very well grown and made Pinot Noir, but the fact that it rings up for $22 makes this the single best value among 250+ wines I’ve tasted from Oregon during 2025. The fruit recalls red and black cherries as well as strawberries, with minimal oak but enough grip to let this stand up well with dishes as flavorful as roast chicken.