Wine Reviews

98

Cult 2023 15th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($75)

Winemaker Julien Fayard created this milestone bottling from the Beau Vigne collection, a distinctively luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of vanilla cedar, dark chocolate blueberries, and a hint of clove engage with firm tannins. Dried lavender wraps around the palate, soaked in Worcestershire and black tea, which anchors to the lengthy finish.

94

Cuvaison 2023 Coeurtina Chardonnay, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($70)

Aromas: Lemon batter, capers, honeysuckle
Glistening notes of lemon oil, marzipan, vanilla crème brulée, and apricot-washed cinnamon toast line the palate. Rich and lively, with nutmeg and breezy acidity, followed by a balanced, refined salinity on the finish.

95

Cuvaison 2023 Mariafeld Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($80)

Cigar leaf, black cherries, and sweet soil are highlighted by energetic tannins. Spiced mulberry, spearmint, Asian spices, and dark fruits are the platform for its intense and savory persona.

93

Cuvaison 2024 Grenache Rosé, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($45)

Aromas: peach blossom, thyme, jasmine
Fresh garden herbs integrate with a juicy, surging wave of raspberry, ginger, and pink grapefruit zest. Lithe, with a frisky, refreshing gait.

96

De Bortoli 2021 Riorret Lusatia Park Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia ($60)

Riorret is terroir spelled backwards – but this Pinot is more forward in its elegance and texture. Tinged with iron and sweet tobacco, it reveals notes of parchment, chestnut, and white pepper.

92

De Bortoli 2023 Estate Vineyard Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia ($32)

Crystal clean palate with steely overtones. Lemon wedge inserts on a gleaming mouthfeel, with just-ripened pineapple lengthening the finish.

97

Domaine de la Rivière 2022 Heritage Block Pinot Noir, Vineyard Eleven, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($95)

From the steep-sloped estate vineyard is a Pinot Noir from two original clones planted in the Middle Reach neighborhood: 70% Mt. Eden and 30% Swan. This is an opulent red with waves of fruit and floral tones. Velvet-lined rose petals are laced with raspberry, parchment, and red tea. It finishes with a whipped creamy strawberry-sandalwood juiciness.

98

Domaine de la Rivière 2022 Two Forces Pinot Noir, Vineyard Eleven, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($95)

Salted strawberries sprinkle a zippy magic dust on the palate, amped by red licorice, pomegranate, and orange peel. Vivid notes of milk-chocolate cherries spread across the mouth, for an elegant, luxurious finish.