Wine Reviews

88

Avalon 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($10)

Brambly notes of plum and vanilla, with ample acidity and a lingering finish.

93

Axis Point 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($18)

Youthful and intense, with a minerality reflecting the region’s volcanic soils. Invigorating notes of ripe plum, dark cherry, and sage emphasize structure, texture, and backbone, without overwhelming the fruit.

93

BABS 2024 Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County ($19)

This stainless-steel white is perky, fresh, and juicy, with lime chiffon, pineapple, and a glint of thyme. Peach pie rises up mid-palate. From vintners Adam Lee and Moret Brealynn Chavez.

93

Barkan 2023 Gold Edition Cabernet Sauvignon, Upper Galilee, Israel ($25)

Fresh and focused, with blueberries and cloves. Sweet tobacco, sandalwood, and black tea engage in a savory finish.

93

Barkan Vineyards 2023 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel ($35)

A muscular, athletic red with notes of cigar leaf, soy sauce, cassis, and leather. Well-built and beautifully balanced with supple tannins and a long finish.

92

Barkan-W 2023 Chardonnay, Galilee, Israel ($15)

Fruit is sourced from elevations up to 2,200 feet. Lean and lively with lemon wedge, hazelnut, and peach blossom. Although it possesses a leesy mouthfeel, acidity is high-toned, refreshing with each sip.

94

Barrel Oak 2023 Cabernet Franc, Middleburg, Virginia ($35)

Lavender and blueberries offer a broad and juicy profile, with bright acidity. Sleek and clean with underlying Italian herbs and a whisper of savory earth.

93

Barrel Oak Winery 2022 Chocolate Lab, Virginia ($30)

This well-crafted dessert wine is primarily made from the Chambourcin grape, with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cab Franc. At 18.5% abv it comes across much like a Ruby Port, rich and fruity, with subtle notes of cinnamon. Infused with cocoa beans, it is aged for 20 months in Bourbon barrels. Dark chocolate cherries and a hint of coffee are pleasant, and there is no cloying sweetness on the finish – well-balanced.