Wine Reviews

90

A3 2023 Chardonnay, California ($10)

For a daily sipper, this white is superb. Notes of pineapple, white chocolate, and luscious just-bitten apple are scrumptious.

92

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County ($24)

Lemon-lime is wrapped in a floral perfume. Grapefruit zest and green herbs accent an undertone of white pepper and wet stone. Finishes clean, crisp, and dry.

95

All Saints Estate Muscat, Rutherglen, Victoria, Australia ($25)

An age-blended fortified wine, this is a more youthful expression from Northeast Victoria, with a proof of 17 percent. Dried fruits and sassafras are luscious. Vibrant notes of dates, roasted coffee, and pecan pie are balanced and just sweet enough.

94

ALLCHARD 2023 Chardonnay, Ruddick Ranch Vineyard, Mendocino ($35)

This single vineyard Chardonnay possesses personality plus, from its sumptuous vanilla cream to exotic notes of sandalwood and saffron. Honeyed mango bathes the palate with white pepper seasoning chamomile and marzipan.

92

Andrew 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($30)

Teeth-grabbing tannins and plum skin add tension. Cola, coffee, licorice, and graphite broaden the generously long, multi-layered finish.

93

Andrew 2023 Syrah, Paso Robles ($30)

Bold, with ripe blackberry, dried fig, and soy sauce. Notes of grilled beef and a chewy texture stride alongside structured tannins. Toasted cedar and white pepper adhere to luxuriously melted dark chocolate that remains on the palate for a long finish.

93

Antigal 2022 UNO Malbec Platinum Edition, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina ($22)

Vanilla and blueberry aromas are rich and dense. Violets march across the palate with white-peppered oak, black tea, and sassafras. Luscious and deep, with a graphite-soil-iron presence. Well-structured, this is a Malbec that stands tall.

94

Araciel 2023 Albariño, Haribach Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($25)

Brisk, salty lemon drop, with wet stone and top-line acidity. Streamlined, with an electric energy. Finishes with lime zest and a sprinkling of chervil, oregano, and yellow pepper.