Wine Reviews

92

Barra 2022 Reserve Petite Sirah, Mendocino ($28)

Creamy and dense, with crushed boysenberry, black tea, plum skins, and sweet tobacco. Juicy and joyful, its energy enforced by dry, cocoa-cherry tannins and enough acidity to maintain freshness.

96

Beau Vigne 2022 ‘Juliet’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($120)

An approachable beauty with backbone and depth, sophistication, and youthful glow, similar to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine. Notes of blueberry cream and vanilla cedar are in tune with gentle tannins. Its lingering finish and subtle spice are like the passionate fire that burns within her soul.

95

Beau Vigne 2022 ‘Romeo’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($120)

Concentrated, with bold tannins, black-peppered licorice, and an undertow of sweet soil and graphite. Tense and focused, with dark raspberry, blue floral tones, and black strap molasses creating a dense mid-palate. Age-worthy and delightfully drinkable now.

96

Belle Glos 2022 Eulenloch Pinot Noir, Napa Valley ($75)

Showing its muscles, this big, broad-shouldered Pinot Noir spreads generous notes of coffee, anise, graphite, and blackberry across the palate. Silky tannins allow dark chocolate to feel like its melting, revealing dried lavender on the finish. Intense luxury.

95

Belle Glos NV Méthode Champenoise Rosé, Russian River Valley ($70)

Aromas: Orange creamsicle, cantaloupe, almonds
Tangerine blossoms and meringue are instantly revealed, thanks to its soft, quickly dissipating bubbles. Light touches of oregano and s saline minerality offer dimension to this steely zero dosage sparkler.

89

Benton Hills 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Washington State ($15)

A pronounced cedar spice opens up to notes of black plum, cigar leaf, and Worcestershire. Layered with savory black olive, it is uplifted by a fine acidity. Finishes with clove-spiced cherries.

91

Benton Hills 2022 Merlot, Washington ($15)

Signaling its smoothness, this blend of 90% Merlot and 5% each Malbec and Syrah is scented with smoky raspberry, cherry, and cocoa plus a hint of sandalwood. In the mouth, bright acidity meets a soft texture, sweet tannins, and notes of dusty plum followed by a forest-tinged finish.

93

Benton Hills 2022 Pinot Gris, Washington ($15)

Clean, clear notes of pear, apricot, and papaya are entwined with white flowers on the nose and palate of this succulent yet dignified wine before they’re lifted on the finish by a mixture of lemon and herb.