Wine Reviews

91

Penny Island 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($20)

Like a shiny penny, this Pinot Noir offers notes of terroir and umami, with a hint of iron minerality. Dark cherry and cedar unite with sweet tobacco and rich, ripe plum overtones.

94

Quilt 2023 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($35)

Butterscotch cream, pecan, and toasted wheat bread are rich, luscious notes. Round bodied, with white-peppered orange peel. A scoring acidity balances it out and allows the liquid to glide through to the finish.

92

Quilt 2023 The Fabric of the Land Red Wine, Napa Valley ($35)

Suede tannins introduce a robust flow of flavors, from espresso to tobacco leaf. Seamless, the liquid curves around the palate, with a dot of white peppered black plum.

93

Ravel & Stitch 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast ($25)

A graceful, streamlined red with shimmery tannins. The liquid glides across the palate like a champion ice skater, sleek and juicy, with notes of lavender, plum, chocolate, and compassion flower.

92

Reyneke 2024 Vinehugger Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa ($18)

Aromas: Lychee, lime sorbet, lanolin
Lychee notes are recognizable with vanilla custard and pine nuts. Crisp and Vibrant.

93

Reyneke 2024 Vinehugger Red, Western Cape, South Africa ($18)

A blend of organic grapes, this Syrah (98%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) sports grilled meats and bacon fat, with saturating blackberry and dark plum. Satin-lined tannins and white pepper demand attention – a luxurious ride across the palate. Spiced cedar and coffee add dimension to deep plum, violets, and dark chocolate.

95

Sartori di Verona 2019 Reius Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Italy ($59)

Black plum and dark chocolate are glorious aromas. Exceptionally elegant blend of 50% Corvina Veronese, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, and 5% Croatina, with stewed fruit, umami, and coffee. Intensity gathers speed, with clove, cinnamon, and fig charting a savory course. Deeply satisfying with a silky mouthfeel and a lingering finish of toasted cocoa and mulberry.

92

Schug 2023 Pinot Noir, Carneros ($42)

The nose displays tilled earth, with an underlying mineral tone. Dark and dramatic, with cigar leaf, leather, and black tea. Plum and new leather maintain a paradigm of ripe fruit and soil-rich, savory undertones.