Wine Reviews

93

Cline Family Cellars 2023 Hat Strap Chardonnay, Los Carneros, Sonoma County ($25)

Clean and bright, with chamomile and candle wax up front. Fresh croissant lathered with lemon marmalade is also seasoned with thyme and rosemary.

94

Dalkeith Kalmoesfontein 2023 Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa ($45)

A dramatic rendition of Chenin Blanc, this is impressively rich with excellent depth of flavor, featuring opulent fruit notes recalling ripe figs and apricots and an undertone of wild honey. Yet the wine avoids coming off as excessively ripe or sweet thanks to vibrant acidity and a notable streak of minerality in the finish.

96

Domaine de la Rivière 2022 Pinot Noir, Middle Reach Vineyards, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($78)

Fruit is planted on steep vineyards with gravel and sandy loam volcanic clay soils. Aged 11-1/2 months in (35% new) French oak, it exudes personality. Cherry tomato, red beets, and pomegranate seamlessly cross the palate. Spiced rose petals offer a tang, while elegantly appointed notes of red tea leaves meld with a high-toned acidity.

91

Don Rodolfo 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina ($13)

With good structure thanks to fine-grained tannins that aren’t astringent at all, it shows a meatier overall profile with layered character to its blackberry fruit.

90

Don Rodolfo 2024 Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($13)

This is a serious contender in the category of relatively affordable Malbecs, with medium-plus body and ripe red berry fruit, with a less prominent dark fruit tone riding alongside. A notably saline note in the finish lends some complexity and distinctiveness without proving distracting or discordant.

90

Don Simon Sangria, Spain ($7)

Fun and carefree, notes of cherry cola leap from the glass. There are elements of rich tangerine and amaro and herbs as well. Rhubarb, sweet citrus, sarsaparilla and a hint of bitterness meld playfully in a perfect Sangria for the summer kick-off.

92

Echo Bay 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($17)

Mmmm…tantalizing aromas of grassy freshness tangles with spearmint and ripe white peach. Tarragon and basil surround white grapefruit adorned with a zealous acidity that punctuates each sip.

90

Ed Edmundo 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Agrelo and Uco Valley, Argentina ($15)

The hearty tannins on this Cabernet linger, animated with a fruity veneer of dark ripe raspberries, plum and black cherries. A burst of flavors emerge including tobacco leaf, plush leather and a gentle hint of clove.