Wine Reviews

93

Cuvaison Estate 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($28)

Although this wine expresses unmistakable varietal character, its herbal aromatics are restrained rather than pungent, its fruit is very nicely ripened with a balance of citrus and melon flavors, and its acidity is refreshing but not overly tart. Sauvignon Blanc is successful but often still polarizing, so finding a rendition that will please almost everyone is quite valuable.

89

Dixie & Bass 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA ($16)

This Cabernet (with Merlot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc rounding out the 86% Cab) rolls across the palate with ripe notes of cassis, toasty vanilla, and dried oregano. It all finishes with a nod in the direction of cafe mocha, making it well suited to braised meats.

92

Double Canyon 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA ($25)

Distinctive for its origins in Washington rather than being generic or formulaic, this Cab offers pleasantly leafy aromas and medium-bodied fruit with notes of dark cherries and moderately ripened berries. Structure from oak and tannins is proportional to the fruit’s intensity, enabling this to pair successfully with anything from a roast chicken to lamb chops.

92

Dow 2020 Vale do Bomfim Red, Douro DOC, Portugal ($15)

A dry table wine made from a blend of classic Port varieties, this medium-bodied, showing delicious red and black fruit tones with excellent purity and proportionality. If tasted blind, it could be mistaken for a $25 wine from the southern Rhône. Wisely released with some bottle age, this is ready to rip and an amazingly complete wine for $15.
Premium Port Wines

92

Dow 2022 Vale do Bomfim White, Douro DOC, Portugal ($15)

A dry table wine made from a blend of classic Port varieties, this medium-bodied, showing delicious red and black fruit tones with excellent purity and proportionality. If tasted blind, it could be mistaken for a $25 wine from the southern Rhône. Wisely released with some bottle age, this is ready to rip and an amazingly complete wine for $15.

95

Elizabeth Spencer 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($55)

Black currant, mint, and coffee-washed oak characterizes the immediate, pleasurable notes from this big-boned, luxurious red. A foundation of graphite supports supple tannins, with a chalky base. Mediterranean scrub seasons earth tones and the finish of dried violets leaves a trace of sweetness on the palate.

97

Far Niente 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($130)

Grapes sourced from Rutherford, Calistoga, St. Helena, and the winery’s home in Oakville, this 17-month French oak-aged red is as elegant as it is emotive. Blackberry and clove-spiced cedar lines the mouth, erupting with graphite and espresso. Finely grained tannins adhere to dusty plum and lavender. Impeccably balanced and complex.

97

Far Niente 2023 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($76)

The combination of maritime climate from Carneros and the volcanic, ash soils of Coombsville lends a hand in creating one of the most deluxe Chardonnays our team has had the pleasure to taste. Augmented by sweet vanilla cream, elderflower, and white cherries, the mouthfeel is exquisitely graceful. Notes of Key lime, herb-spiced lemon, and luscious ripe pineapple are opulent to the end. Aged sur lie in French oak barrels.