Wine Reviews

90

Brick & Cole 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($12)

Sandalwood-washed blackberries are savory, with added notes of soy sauce, cigar leaf, and roasted coffee. A satisfying finish of oak and dark chocolate.

96

Brooks Note 2022 Pinot Noir, Panther Ridge, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County ($68)

A brilliant expression of fruit and flora. Blueberry and dusty roses are seasoned with garden herbs. The aromas of roses and just-picked cherries linger with each juicy sip. Silky and elegant with a coat of fennel and clove on the finish.

93

Brooks Note 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($45)

Pomegranate laced with allspice and heather resonates on entry. Sparked with white pepper, the liquid is snappy and fresh. Notes of cola are lifted by a racy acidity.

95

Brown Estate 2022 Zinfandel, Napa Valley ($50)

Brown-sugared cedar and ripe cherries broadcast an elegant style. White pepper seasons brushy notes of heather and red beets. Blackberry and espresso are matched mid-point, juicy and dramatic.

93

Brown Estate Chaos Theory Red, Napa Valley ($40)

Mulberry, heather, and sarsaparilla are uniquely joined in this plush blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel. Notes of cardamom, cinnamon stick, chocolate-raspberry cake are dreamy. Vivid acid structure is within a frame of spiced, dried spring flowers and plum liqueur.

91

Buscado 2022 Garnacha, Spain ($17)

Bright, juicy, and spicy, with Mediterranean scrub, rhubarb, and black cherry-soaked cedar. Displays structure and balanced acidity.

90

Ca’Momi 2023 Merlot, Napa Valley ($20)

Toasty, with ripe plum and boysenberry. Dark cocoa lines the palate, with a savory cigar leaf and heather finish.

91

Cannonball 2023 Chardonnay, California ($16)

)Comprised of fruit drawn from multiple locations as far north as Mendocino and as far south as Santa Barbara County. Medium-bodied but leaning toward full, it shows touches of oak toast and some yeasty nuances, but is nevertheless very refreshing and persistent in its flavors. Notes of ripe peaches and brighter Granny Smith apples work very well together.