Wine Reviews

95

Brandlin Estate 2021 Malbec, Napa Valley ($75)

Chewy and fleshy, dusty plum tannins skate across the palate. Robust notes of espresso and tobacco are further perfumed and flavored by dark chocolate, boysenberry, and violets. Dynamic and muscular, with salted black cherry and creamy, sweet oak.

90

Bread & Butter 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa ($16)

Plump and ripe, this easy-drinking Cab spices it up with cardamom, sweet tobacco, and clove-kissed plums. Notes of soy sauce adds a salinity factor, freshening every sip.

89

Bread & Butter 2023 Chardonnay, California ($16)

Here’s sunny California Chardonnay in a nutshell. Aromas of buttered toast, caramelized Bosc pear, and lemon pudding carry over to the creamy palate with a pop of juicy acidity; on the finish, judicious oak mingles with tangerine and pine nut brittle.

90

Bread & Butter 2023 Pinot Grigio, California ($16)

Fragrances and flavors of lemon-lime soda, honeydew melon, peach, and banana make for an easy-breezy sipper in the Cal-Ital style. Perky acidity and a slick texture are charming playmates.

90

Bread & Butter 2023 Pinot Noir, Napa ($16)

Aromas of brush, cinnamon-cherry, and cranberry waft from the glass. An unctuous mouthfeel seemingly floats atop the tongue. A gelée of plum and sea slat glistens in stride with a fine acidity. Should certainly be considered for a wine-by-the-glass program.

90

Bread & Butter 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($16)

Scents of honeydew, key lime, and papaya kick things off in bold, blithesome fashion. The palate’s likewise lighthearted and snappy, with an ample squeeze of grapefruit and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for oomph.

90

Bread & Butter Prosecco DOC, Italy ($16)

Made with Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio as well as Glera, this Prosecco pops with notes of ripe yellow apple and pear as well as a splash of kiwi. Citrusy acidity enhances the clean, sleek mouthfeel.

89

Bread & Butter Red, Napa, CA ($16)

A blend of Merlot, with Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon that exhibits smoky cedar, dark chocolate, and black olive. Ripe plum sweetens the savory trail and is surrounded by black pepper. Robust and expressive.