Wine Reviews

88

Faustino 2020 Rivero Ulecia Reserva, DO Utiel-Requena, Spain ($8)

Varieties Bobal and Tempranillo make up this ripe red, empowered with toasty oak and dried fruits. A bright acid structure and sinewy texture surround notes of blueberry and tobacco.

90

Faustino 2021 Rivero Ulecia Crianza, Rioja DOCa, Spain ($11)

This feisty blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha expresses graphite and roasted coffee with grainy, teeth-grabbing tannins surrounding its bold frame. Earthy, with tension, it’s a wine with staying power.

89

Faustino 2021 Rivero Ulecia, DO Navarra, Spain ($11)

Meaty and robust with a hint of smoky oak. Blackberry and charcoal coincide, with depth and finesse. A blend of Tempranillo and Merlot.

89

Firefly Ridge 2023 Chardonnay, California ($8)

Toasted scones, beeswax, and vanilla are expressive notes. Lemon bar leaves a creamy wash on the finish.

90

Firefly Ridge 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($8)

Key lime pie with a side of meringue wakes up the palate with a delightful taste profile. Elderflower and white linen add layers to a wine under $10 – impressive. And on the finish a surge of salted pears sends forward a juicy flow.

94

Frank Family Vineyards 2022 Pinot Noir, Carneros ($40)

White-peppered cherries and rose petals are stunning, marked by cinnamon and clove. Just plucked from the earth wild strawberries offer a delicate flavor, expressive in its restraint.

91

Frenzy 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Mount Richmond Estate, Marlborough NZ ($18)

This vibrant, fresh Sauvignon Blanc hails from the Upper Wairau Valley of Marlborough, and sings with grapefruits, nectarines, and a touch of fresh herbs. Passionfruit acidity rings through the bright, concentrated finish of this fantastic value.

93

Gehricke 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley, Sonoma County ($35)

With the addition of Petite Sirah, Cab Frac, and Merlot, this teeth-grabber is aged 16 months in Hungarian and American oak. Plum and black cherry dominate, with tomato leaf, cinnamon-cedar, and milk chocolate. Plums seasoned with basil meet up with superfine tannins, rounding out the wine’s richness.