Wine Reviews

92

Carmen 2024 Frida Kahlo Reserva Rosé, Central Valley, Chile ($14)

Candied orange peel and elderflower are lovely aromas. Brisk acidity makes its mark on juicy peach and melon. Tangerine cream weaves through at mid-palate, energetic, with a pinch of salty minerality.

99

Chappellet 2021 Pritchard Hill Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($325)

Farmed for 57 years and replanted block by block for the past 30 years, Pritchard Hills remains a benchmark for Napa Valley’s superior mountain fruit. Winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus aged the wine for 22 months in 100% new French oak, and upon first sip, it showed its youth with a powerful thrust of muscle. A rush of mulberry, boysenberry, and mocha cedar bursts through. Tannins are dry and surround the mouth, sinewy and fleshy. As it opens, new leather and balsamic make way for oregano and licorice to impart an opulence on the finish.

93

Cigar Box 2022 Old Vine Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina ($14)

From a single vineyard from the Santa Rita Estate that reaches over 3400 feet in elevation, this French oak-aged red offers white-peppered plums and a hint of smoky oak, caressed by round tannins. Aromas and flavors converge, with notes of grilled beef, ripe blueberry, and a wash of cinnamon-cedar that keeps the palate engaged.

92

Clos du Bois 2023 Chardonnay, California ($12)

Bright acidity weaves through toasty coconut, lemon batter, and marzipan. Just the right balance of richness to please any Chardonay fan. An iconic white wine that over-delivers for the price.

92

Clos du Bois 2024 Chardonnay, California ($12)

Aromas: Marzipan, honeyed pears, vanilla custard
Mouth-filling notes of vanilla wafer, lemon verbena, and elderflower. An iconic name in Chardonnay; expressive, with a reined in richness.

94

Croma Vera 2022 Graciano, Happy Canyon of Santa Barbara ($55)

Croma Vera’s wines are sourced from SIP Certified and sustainable vineyards. With 14% Grenache, this is a graceful red, with subtle tones of rosemary-tinged blackberry. Black pepper, clove, and a touch of cinnamon add dimension to the flow of creamy cherry-vanilla. Ripe fruit is spicy and earthy, with a saline finish.

95

Croma Vera 2022 Grenache, San Luis Obispo Coast ($55)

With the addition of 15% Graciano, the wine is aged in neutral French puncheons for 18 months. The wine is slick, exuding notes of white-peppered black raspberry that lights up the palate. Earthy, with zesty notes of cinnamon and rhubarb. It finishes with a juicy wash of mocha and mulberry.

96

Cusumano 2020 NOÀ, Sicilia DOC, Italy ($55)

The biblical figure Noah is said to have been the first person to cultivate a vineyard, and this Super Sicilian blend of 40% Nero d’Avola, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon is dedicated to him. Dusty, dry, and plummy tannins maintain grip and an assertive presence. Impressive tones of lavender, jasmine, orange peel, and dark black fruit engage with a remarkable acid structure. Expressive, with a luxe tone.