Wine Reviews

92

Bollini 2023 Pinot Grigio, Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy ($19)

Stark, clean, and crisp, with a steely persona. Melted white flower petals saturate the palate, along with a romance of lime blossom and Bosc pear.

93

Bollini 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Vigneti delle Dolomiti IGT, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy ($20)

Exacting acidity ignites salty stone and pear tart. Fruit is sourced from upwards of 1640 feet above sea level, creating intense aromas and flavors. Notes of hazelnut, fig jelly, kiwi, elderflower, and honeyed apple are striking and memorable.

93

Borges 2021 Touriga Nacional, Dão DOC, Portugal ($23)

Plum pudding, mocha latte, and dried lavender are just some of the multi-layered nuances in this luxuriously textured red. Acidity is high-toned, adding tension on the back of the tongue. Well balanced with 13.5 % abv., the wine possesses a fresh appeal.

92

Borges 2023 Alvarinho Borras Finas White, Vinho Verde, Portugal ($16)

Aged on fine lees, a citrus-tinged marine perfume is augmented by notes of jasmine and ginger. Tart lime steels the tongue with intensity, but the crisp texture flows gently with a smooth mouthfeel.

94

Borgo San Daniele 2021 I am Mauri, Arbis Blanc, Venezia Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy ($53)

Aromas of marzipan and summer pears lead to a salty mélange of tangerine, chamomile, pine nuts, and lemon meringue. Racy acidity and that saline sea-breeze base keep the palate alert, adding spark to the spiced, woodsy finish.

93

Borgo San Daniele 2023 I am Mauri, Pinot Grigio, Isonzo del Fruili, Italy ($31)

Pecans, honeyed apples, and salted pears are platformed on a flinty base. This scintillating white offers lime zest and basil, high-toned acidity, and a fuller body than most Pinot Grigios from the region.

94

Brassfield Estate Winery 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, High Valley AVA, Lake County ($35)

Dusty minerality and iron coincide with ultra-sleek tannins, winning us over at first sip. Black tea and boysenberry take a firm grip, unmasking a broad array of Worcestershire, sweet tobacco, and cedar.

94

Brassfield Estate Winery 2021 Eruption, Volcano Ridge Vineyard, High Valley AVA, Lake County ($24)

A masterful proprietary red blend, crafted from volcanic soils. Dark chocolate, espresso, black olive, new leather, and soy sauce demand attention. Dried violets line the palate, with dusky, well-structured precision.