Wine Reviews

92

Dial Tone 2023 Chardonnay, Santa Barbara County ($24)

The flavors for this creamy, complex white ring true. Chamomile, tapioca, marzipan, and banana bread are sumptuous. Richness is reined in by a searing acid structure and a salty finish. Produced by renowned Central Coast winemakers Adam Lee and Moret Brealynn Chavez.

89

Dolly Wines 2023 Chardonnay, California ($15)

This may not be quite as charming as Dolly Parton herself, but that’s simply too much to ask. It is solid Chardonnay for the price, with flavors recalling tropical fruits as well as apple pie filling. Fully dry in style, with notable oak influence, this is a release that can hold its own with its price counterparts even without influence from its namesake.

94

Domaine Curry 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($45)

A beautifully crafted wine, with a pale, youthful appearance and carrying a slight greenish tinge. Well-defined, precise aromatics of fresh herbs, dill, and tarragon. Notes of guava, orange blossom, and passionfruit with a nice supporting touch of smoky oak. Plenty of weight on the palate, but not heavy in the least bit, very good purity and refinement. zesty, fresh acidity, wonderful follow through to the finish. Primarily sourced from the Stags Leap District.

95

Domaine Della 2022 Pinot Noir, Graham Family Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($85)

Buoyant mouthfeel, pillowy and resilient, with a savory aspect. Black plum, sandalwood, and soy sauce extends salinity along with deep base notes of forest floor. The espresso-black cherry finish is long and satisfying.

97

Domaine Della 2022 Pinot Noir, Tierra de Promissio, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($98)

Cherries dipped in maple syrup are creamy and dense, followed by milk chocolate cedar. A hint of toast, mint, and white pepper are unique and unfold gracefully thanks to supple tannins and a balanced acid structure.

92

Domaine les Chenevières 2022, Mâcon-Villages AOP, Bourgogne, France ($32)

This Chardonnay offers an unctuous mouthfeel, slathering notes of churned butter, daffodil, peach, Meyer lemon, and creamed corn. Layered, complex, perfectly balanced, with a long finish.

94

Dutton Ranch 2022 Eleven Eleven Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($65)

This is a cozy-up-to-the-fire Chardonnay, rich and mouth filling. Warm, woody, relaxing notes of sandalwood, spiked with salty pears, hazelnut, and charred vanilla cookie texturize the palate. Finishes with lemon bar and a spark of fresh basil.

93

Eberle 2022 Barbera, Paso Robles ($42)

A rapturous perfume of earth, bramble, and black currant leads to black cherry amped by fine acidity. Brush and sweet tobacco, orange peel, and balsamic are expressive flavor profiles.