Wine Reviews

94

Opolo 2023 Grand Rouge, Paso Robles ($32)

This Rhone-variety red blend showcases delightful fragrances of candied cranberries, strawberries, rose and lavender. The palate is rich, crystalline and powerful with ripe cherry and bay leaf and a hint of chanterelle mushroom.

93

Opolo 2023 GSM Reserve, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($55)

The elegance is undeniable from the first whiff. This blend teems with notes of mocha, chocolate, blue and black fruits, cherries, and fresh violets. A generous mouthfeel with stately tannins yields to plush, ripe blackberries dusted with nutmeg, allspice, and a kiss of cedar.

93

Pata Negra 2014 Tempranillo Reservado, Valdepenas, Spain ($20)

An assortment of aromas develop in the glass, including ripe strawberries, dried violet, charcoal and savory herbs. The mouthfeel has gritty tannins, mouth-watering acidity and a lingering herbaceousness that ripples across the tongue. The age on this Tempranillo is worn with grace.

93

Pata Negra 2018 Tempranillo Crianza, Rioja, Spain ($13)

Age has done the body good, with notes of sandalwood, dry-aged meat and pepper. Steeped with the essence of strawberries, Earl Grey tea and red roses, the decadent Tempranillo beckons for repeat tastes.

92

Pata Negra 2023 Rueda, Spain ($10)

An equal blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Verdejo, this wine starts the party with a bouquet of tangelo and nectarine. Notes of golden apple gild the tongue, with a hair of peach and lime zest and a kiss of jalapeño. Subtle without being subdued, the peppery finish offers length and complexity.

91

Pata Negra Red Blend La Mancha Roble, Spain ($10)

Bright red fruits abound, with cranberry and pomegranate and fresh strawberries. Delicate tannins fashion a pleasing mouthfeel, with milk chocolate, vanilla and a rich mulled quality suffused throughout.

90

Pata Negra Toro Tempranillo Roble, Spain ($10)

Juicy on the palate with a gushing, salivating finish, this full-bodied red offers fresh red cherries, rhubarb and a delicate hint of smoke. It finishes with a touch rose petals and lifted minerality.

96

PATEL 2022 Red Wine, Napa Valley ($80)

Seductive to the point of sensuous, the nose is transcendent with a bouquet of roses and violets, dark chocolate, nutmeg and cherries jubilee. You could savor the fragrance and get your money’s worth. Sophisticated and refined, it blankets the tongue with vigorous yet pillowy tannins. This is a stunning wine.