Wine Reviews

94

Carmen 2022 Maria’s Legacy, Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo Andes, Maipo Valley, Chile ($30)

A stunning single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon with shadowed aromas and mirrored notes of dark roasted coffee, black currant, and graphite. Jasmine and lavender perfume dark chocolate raspberry. Velvet tannins are surrounded by white-peppered cedar. Finishes with spicy black fruit. Memorable and elegant, with a definite age-worthiness.

93

Carmen 2023 Gran Reserva Carmenère, DO Colchagua, Apalta, Chile ($18)

A perfume of mulberry and vanilla spice lead to a juicy and vibrant red brimming with cranberry, red plum, and cocoa latte. The flavors for this single vineyard Carmenère extend generously across the palate, with sleek, powdery tannins. It finishes with an underlying minerality that offers a touch of salinity. Over-delivers for the price and is a standout for the iconic Chilean variety.

92

Carmen 2023 Gran Reserva Merlot, Single Vineyard, D.O. Maipo, Chile ($18)

Rich and earthy, with bittersweet dark chocolate, saddle leather, and black cherry. Savory mid-way, with a foundation of tilled soil and slate, accented by fine acidity.

93

Carmen 2023 Gran Reserva Rosé, D.O. Maipo, Chile ($18)

Notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and watermelon are light as air and laced in rose petal confection. Finishes with a clean wash of Mandarin orange. The juice for this single vineyard beauty is aged on the lees for three months and is estate grown and bottled.

92

Carmen Reserve 2024 Frida Kahlo Sauvignon Blanc, Valle Central, Chile ($15)

Impressive aromas of pineapple, honeysuckle, and pink grapefruit. White flowers settle on the palate, lit up by white pepper for an alert, gem-like mouthfeel. Acidity imparts a defined freshness.

93

Cellar Beast Winehouse 2021 Dark Angel Red Blend, Pontin del Roza Vineyard, Yakima Valley, WA ($65)

Deep, dense appearance with just a bit of fade at the edge of the glass. Highly expressive, with notes of black fruit, bell pepper, smoky oak, clove, and Asian five spice. Ample weight on the palate, well balanced, and nuanced. Oak is evident but well integrated into the wine with an extended finish along with moderate tannin levels. Made from 94% Carmenère, and 6% Petit Verdot. 20% of the wine is aged for 16 months in new French oak.

92

Cellar Beast Winehouse 2022 Midnight Archer Red Blend, Red Mountain, WA ($65)

Good depth of color, dense core, with ripe fruit aromas of blackberry and raspberry. Quite weighty and full of the palate, it displays a good level of ripeness, and plush character on the palate, with well integrated oak. Slight bell pepper note and very soft finish on the back palate. Made from 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 6% Carmenère, and 3% Petit Verdot.

93

Centered 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($30)

A bouquet of boysenberry cobbler, leather and rose petals billows from the bowl. A satiny mouthfeel charms with notes of dark cherry on tufts of chocolate truffles. Well-integrated and fine-grained tannins partner satisfyingly with a lingering richness.