Wine Reviews

90

Ménage à Trois 2022 Light Red Blend, CA ($10)

Black cherry and sweet tobacco combine for a ripe convergence of Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Notes of red tea and blueberry are pleasant on the silky finish.

90

Ménage à Trois 2023 Light Pinot Grigio, CA ($10)

At 8% abv, and only 90 calories per five ounce serving, this white shines with tart green apple and a brisk acidity. Key lime heightens the intensity of flavor and zings on the finish.

90

Ménage à Trois 2024 Sublime Sauvignon Blanc, California ($10)

Succulent and aromatic peach blossom and sweet pink grapefruit burst in a juicy flow on first sip. Elderflower and passionfruit are spotlighted by a crisp acidity.

93

Merriam Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($34)

A perfume of freshly squeezed tangerine and honeyed pears leads to an airy pad of vanilla custard, that barely touches the tongue. This lithe Chardonnay offers notes of pine nuts and lacy meringue. A touch of lemon oil glides to the finish line.

91

Merriam Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($38)

Aromas of bright cherry and flavors of darker cherry and tart pomegranate line the mouth. At mid-point, Italian herbs and chiseled acidity leaves a taut texture behind. The wine exhibits an austere quality, with a line-up of rose petals on the dry finish.

97

Merry Edwards 2022 Pinot Noir, Warren’s Hill, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($70)

This vineyard was named for three important men in Merry Edwards’ life: Warren Dutton, who first leased Merry this hilltop vineyard in 2009; Warren Arnold, a well-known sculptor and longtime friend; and Merry’s son Warren, who passed away in 2006. These grapes now hail from 12-year-old vines off the Windsor Garden clone and aged for nine months in 53% new French oak. It’s an inky-purple-black hued beauty with aromas of forest floor kissed by ripe cherry. Deep and luscious, with German chocolate cake with extended note of ripe cherry, and grilled meat. It possesses an earthy nature that rises on mid-palate, with lavender accenting its velvet-lined tannins.

98

Merry Edwards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Meredith Estate, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($80)

This is the winery’s first single-vineyard Sauv Blanc from two acres off their flagship Meredith Estate. Winemaker Heidi von der Mehden fermented 30% in amphora and the remainder in neutral oak, with on-going lees stirring for five months. The Musqué clone adds floral tones to an enlightened pink grapefruit entry on angel wings. The gossamer mouthfeel has a melting effect on salted pears, pineapple, jasmine, and elderflower. In fact, the floral presence is so prevalent, aromas blossom with each sip.

91

Miguel Torres 2019 Vigno, Old Vine Carignan, Huerta del Maule, Chile ($21)

Italian herbs season fresh notes of cranberry and tart red cherry. High-toned acidity and white pepper engages the palate with dusty tannins. A juicy finish leaves behind concentrated notes of rhubarb and roses.