Wine Reviews

93

Big Cork Vineyards 2023 Syrah Rosé, Rohrersville, Maryland ($32)

We don’t receive many wines from Maryland, and this red-fruited, perfumed beauty proves the region’s value. With a mineral base, it invites a cascade of strawberry, watermelon, and red rose petals which flood the palate. A delicate mouthfeel is welcoming and refreshing.

91

Broadside 2023 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($17)

Aged in 30% new French oak and 70% stainless steel, this clean, pure-tasting white offers up peachy notes that mingle with lychee and honeysuckle. It maintains a freshness throughout, with a finish of lemon cookie and sweet basil.

92

Ca’ di Rajo Prosecco, DOC Treviso, San Polo di Piave, Italy ($16)

A 100% Glera, extra-dry style bubbly with a persistent mousse. Notes of bread dough, lemon batter, pine nuts, and MacIntosh apple are expressive. There’s a distinctive taste of terroir on the finish.

92

Ca’ di Rajo Rosé Brut Prosecco, DOC Treviso, Veneto, Italy ($14)

Comprised of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Nero, this sparkler settles in with a soft perlage, releasing notes of springtime. Rose petals, cantaloupe, and tangerine are delicate and dry.

93

Ca’ Momi 2022 Rosso (Red Blend), California ($13)

Succulent berry sweetness leaps from the glass followed by waves of toast and oak. The wine sings with youthful energy and a pleasing voluminous lift mid-palate. The finish is balanced with round edges and hints of dark fruit, black pepper, and chocolate – the perfect barbecue partner.

91

Care 2021 Nativa Garnacha, Carinena, Spain ($16)

Scented with aged violet, forest floor and a touch of wet stone, the palate is juicy and full. It blossoms with time in the glass, revealing traces of cocoa, blackberry and Szechuan peppercorn. Tannins are gritty yet delicate, ending with a pleasant cedary finish.

90

Care 2023 Sobre Lias Tinto, Carinena, Spain ($12)

A brilliant ruby color serves as a prelude to fragrances of berry coulis and all-spice with a hint of sugar cookie. The palate is lively with tart cherry and toasted oak. It’s firm without sacrificing freshness.

91

Carmen 2021 Gran Reserva Rosé, Single Vineyard, D.O. Maipo D.O., Chile ($18)

A delightful buoyancy on the palate, releasing a pillow-like lightness of candied ginger, melon, peach, and chamomile. An expressive rosé with a mineral-driven finish.