Wine Reviews

91

AVIVO 2021 Red, Lodi, CA ($24)

Medium deep, youthful appearance, expressive aroma of Morello cherry and raspberry. Pronounced intensity and purity. Medium bodied, with some spicy notes, not overly complex, but very enjoyable and extremely well made. From certified regenerative grapes, 95% Sangiovese, 5% Syrah.

91

AVIVO 2023 Rosé, Lodi, CA ($24)

Bright salmon color, with expressive aromas of red raspberry, ripe strawberry, and a hint of green cucumber. On the palate it’s bright, fresh, and lively, with ample acidity to keep it brisk and fresh on the palate. It highlights a pure and inviting character. The wine is flat out gulpable!, 95% Sangiovese, 5% Syrah.

90

Ballard Lane 2023 Pinot Noir, California ($15)

Cranberries spiced with nutmeg are mouth filling. Medium weighted, this red expresses itself through plum and rose petals, sweetened by cherry tomato and hibiscus tea.

92

Ballard Lane 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($15)

A nectar of ripe pineapple, papaya, and vanilla cream rushes across the palate. With an amplified weight on the palate and the sensation of licking a wet stone, the finish of just-squeezed lemon balances the wine, leaving a unique, desirous texture.

93

Beau Vigne NV Heirloom Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($90)

Concentrated, without an overly dense mouthfeel, this elegant and well-balanced red displays graphite, blackberry, and soy sauce. Teeth-gripping tannins are dusty and lithe, without any edge. Cocoa-spiced cedar lends texture to the dry finish.

91

Beckstone 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington($20)

Very well crafted from start to finish, deep, well extracted core, pronounced pure fruit notes, blackberry, black cherry, cassis, slightest whiff of violet with enough smokey oak to bring added range and complexity, weighty on the palate, but skillfully made to keep it in balance, some evident tannins on the back palate that are soft and ripe.

94

Bellacana Vineyards 2019 Indigenous Red Wine Blend, Sonoma County ($38)

Deep, dense core, well extracted, wonderfully focused aroma with highlighted savory black berry and black raspberry notes along with a touch of smoky oak. Ample weight on the palate, yet well balanced with soft tannins. A joy to drink from start to finish. Made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petite Sirah.

92

Bellacana Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley ($25)

Pale yellow/green appearance, immediately appealing for its zesty, vibrant grapefruit aroma notes with underlying herbal character that carries to the palate. Bright, lively, exuberant medium bodied style with a refreshing finish. Produced with cool fermentation in stainless steel to retain a lifted, fresh character.