Wine Reviews

94

Bosco de’ Medici 2023 Pompeii Rosso, Pompeiano IGT, Campania, Italy ($38)

One can taste the acidic, volcanic soils in this streamlined 100% Piedirosso. Feminine and graceful with a streak of the exotic. Dusty, cocoa-cherry and ylang ylang, with clove and cinnamon. Racy, with notes of basil, linden, and oregano.

94

Cantina Fratelli Pardi 2018 Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, Umbria, Italy ($46)

Aged in Slovenian and French oak for 18 months, followed by 9-12 months in stainless steel and then bottle-aged for 6-8 months, this dusty, powerhouse maintains its youthful brawn. Blueberries encased in violets converge for a firm grip. A paradigm of juicy and chalky-stemmy, but lively and vivacious.

89

Cape D’ Or 2023 Organic Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa ($20)

Pale yellow color, light floral and peach fruit notes, and pure primary fruit character. Medium bodied, fresh and bright, with lifted acidity. Made entirely in stainless steel. Produced from organic grapes.

90

Cape D’ Or 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Swartland, South Africa ($17)

Pale, youthful appearance, bright citrus and mild herbal notes. Fresh and clean on the palate with moderate intensity, medium weight, ample acidity and a refreshing back palate. Cool fermentation in stainless steel to retain the vibrancy of the wines.

93

Care 2022 Garnacha Nativa, Carinena, Spain ($15)

Blue fruit emerges out of deep notes of coffee bean, new leather, and sweet tobacco. Black strap molasses surrounds raspberry, while acidity holds up a fine structure.

90

Casillera del Diablos NV Devil’s Brut, Valle del Limari, Chile ($13)

A sizzling effervescence bursts to reveal sweet peach, green apple, and an electric acidity.

95

Cecchi 2020 Chianti Classico DOCG Gran Selezione, Valore di Famiglia, Tuscany, Italy ($70)

Intense and ripe, with aromas and flavors of dried violets, black raspberry, and plum skin. Its earthy core exhales notes of morning rain and salty Porcini mushroom. With a vivid acidity and a touch of clove, tart cherry washes through the elegant finish.

92

Cedar + Salmon 2023 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($25)

Highly aromatic, with an exotic floral incense and ripe cherries. Dusty and dry on the palate, with plum skin, red tea tannins, and Italian herbs, ending with a rich earthiness.