Wine Reviews

93

Vignamaggio 2021 Terre di Prenzano, Chianti Classico DOCG, Toscana, Italy ($45)

Sour cherry and a racy acid structure bedazzle the palate. Fresh, with an inner tension, its juicy nature gives way to lavender and balsamic.

94

Viña Cobos 2020 Vinculum Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina (50)

Aromas of brown-sugared plums lead to flavors of coffee-cedar. Juicy black currant collects momentum on the palate with a base of violet-dressed cigar wrapping and soy sauce. Sturdy structure with a fresh finish.

93

Whitehall Lane 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($56)

Spiced sandalwood, cigar leaf, dark roast coffee, and boysenberry unite for a layered array of stylized flavors. Bold in its demeanor, the “elegant factor” is demonstrated through its release of tension on the juicy finish.

93

Whitehall Lane 2021 Merlot, Napa Valley ($40)

Ripe black cherry lights up cloves and cardamom, enunciating its juicy nature with a soy sauce-umami salinity. At mid-palate, attention is drawn to a coca-cinnamon-cedar finish.

97

X Winery 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley $70

The bouquet is expressive and even poetic, with herbs and savory spices and an earthy quality evocative of a tranquil forest. The grapes were hand-harvested from small lots, then aged for 21 months in new and used French Oak. The resulting texture is refined and the bright red strawberries and cranberries coalesce seamlessly with cola and spice. Taut and tempting, it is a delight to revisit.

93

XYZin 2023 Old Vines Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County ($40)

An elegant contender, with 15% Petite Sirah from the Rockpile AVA, its amplified tannins show the wine’s inherent structure. But, like a ballet dancer, they are composed and well defined. Blueberry gelée and plum gloss over the palate, with back notes of mocha and lavender.

95

Yacoubian-Hobbs 2022 “Sarpina” Areni, Rind, Vayots Dzor, Armenia ($50)

Mineral-rich soils are reflected in finely delineated tannins and a seamless, steely mouthfeel. Plump blue fruit amps the wine’s energy and verve, while wild dried herbs bring added texture. Ultimately, its juicy, fruity persona is what is most desirable.

94

Yacoubian-Hobbs 2022 Areni, Rind, Vayots Dzor, Armenia ($35)

A thrilling wine, with wild strawberry and vanilla cream, dotted with spiced red tea, tomato leaf, and red beets. Acidity reigns supreme; lifting rose petals and mulled raspberries to a beautifully balanced level. Sensational.