Wine Reviews

93

Prescription 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($30)

Blackberry is seasoned with Italian herbs, balsamic, and black olives. A moody, well-structured red with grainy tannins that possess a slight grip. Notes of black and blue fruit generously fill out the palate and set a dynamic tone to the wine.

92

Quilt 2023 Threadcount Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County ($30)

Juicy, with black fruit defined by minerality and sandalwood leaves a generous wash across the palate. Sleek and structured, with black tea tannins and a finish of licorice and cherry-drenched new leather.

92

Reciprocity 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, French Camp Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles ($18)

Bright and juicy, the savory herbal and spice notes leap playfully on the palate. This wine is lively and precise, with hints of sage, fresh strawberries, a touch of peppercorn and a hint of tea. Made from organic grapes and aged for seventeen months in barrel, this is a Cabernet built more like a dancer than a bull, and it sashays across the palate that would be the perfect partner to food.

93

Reciprocity 2022 Chardonnay, French Camp Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles ($40)

This Sauvignon Blanc trends towards savory rather than overtly opulent, with seamless integration of gentle green herbs and pepper. The palate is zippy and billows with lemon verbena and a touch of wasabi. There’s a delicacy of taut flavors staged with balance and a charming lightness of touch.

92

Reciprocity 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, French Camp Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles ($18)

This wine is a showcase for classic Sauvignon Blanc character of grassy herbal notes with signature bell pepper and ruby red grapefruit. The palate is bright and succulent and evokes key lime pie and candied lemon. There is a pleasant and confident balance of flavors.

90

Red Sun 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($20)

Ripe, brooding black fruit melds with espresso and graphite. Tannins are suede textured and gentle on the palate, despite the rich, robust profile of the wine.

89

Ryder Estate 2023 Chardonnay ($15)

Pale yellow color, with flavors of bright green apple, baked pear, and citrus. Fresh, Bright, and lively on the palate; medium bodied with bright acidity. Enjoyable for its exuberant fruit notes, straightforward clean, easy drinking styled Chardonnay.

91

Ryder Estate 2023 Chardonnay ($15)

The fruit behind this wine was clearly picked at the right time, resulting in a medium-bodied Chardonnay with fine balance between fruit and acidity. Getting these fundamentals right is the key to the wine’s success, but it also shows faint but attractive oak accents that make this more than just a “solid” everyday wine. Very skillfully wrought.