Wine Reviews

95

Typhon Estates {Lumen} 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley ($110)

A lushly generous licorice-coated blockbuster, flooding the palate with blackberry preserves and sprinkled with black pepper. An accomplished mountain Cab with gracious tannins and balanced oak.

91

Vanderpump 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($28)

Black-peppered cherries, graphite, tobacco, and roasted coffee are greeted by arching tannins which demonstrate a fine backbone for this juicy, demonstrative red.

90

Vanderpump 2023 Chardonnay, Monterey, CA ($25)

Produced by Scheid Family Vineyards and sustainably farmed, a small touch of Viognier, Pinot Manseng, and Pinot Blanc are added in, with a balanced abv of 13.5%. Toasty, with vanilla marshmallow and baked pear. Rich and viscous with fine acidity.

91

Vanderpump 2023 Pinor Noir, Monterey, CA ($25)

The wine is produced by Scheid Family Wines and sustainably farmed. Two percent Syrah is blended in. It exhibits an earthy, woodsy start, with cherry cedar and cinnamon red tea. Silky and juicy.

91

Vanderpump 2024 Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France ($25)

Tangerine and plumeria are accented by a fine acidity and minerality. Pleasingly juicy, with apricot and green tea on the finish.

97

Veuve Clicquot, La Grande Dame 2018, Reims, France ($195)

With a freshness undiminished by its largesse (and vice versa), the 25th vintage of La Grande Dame—a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay—is simply gorgeous as intense sensations of apple and pear lead the way to tangerine and lime flesh and peel, nectarine, pink ginger, a touch of strawberry, and subtleties of toffee-nut bread and spice. Its lilting cadence is punctuated by a saline streak that only elongates the resounding finish.

94

Vignamaggio 2017 Merlot di Santa Maria, Greve, Chianti, Toscana IGT, Italy ($84)

Coffee and spice surround notes of ripe cherry and pipe tobacco. Moha and cedar are brightened by an inherent acidity. Aged in French barriques for 18-24 months and in bottle for another eight months.

95

Vignamaggio 2017 Monna Lisa, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, Toscana DOCG ($74)

A small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon is added to Sangiovese, and this full-bodied red exhibit notes of brandied cherries and brown-sugared coffee beans, surpassing expectations of quality. Racy acidity sparks the palate, while notes of balsamic and new leather lengthen on the finish.