Wine Reviews

91

It’s a HeadSnapper 2022 Riesling, Columbia Valley, WA ($10)

Luscious notes of apricot nectar, baked pear, lemon tart, and chamomile. Just the right level of acidity to keep the palate refreshed. It lives up to the reputation that fine Rieslings are produced in Washington State. At this price, it’s also a showstopper.

91

Just Enough Wines 2022 Rosé Bubbles, Central Coast, CA ($8)

Sold in a 250ml can, this would provide about two generous pours in most sparkling glasses. I sampled it both from the can and from a glass and was surprised that it proved so appealing even without the benefit of being “nosed” in a glass. Fresh and fruity rather than yeasty, but dry and very appealing, this is among the best “alternative packaging” wines I’ve tasted.

89

Just Enough Wines 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Central Coast, CA ($8)

Although this seems to be marketed with a view to serving size, container convenience, and sustainability, the wine can hold its own regardless of these considerations. Monterey-sourced fruit shows good varietal character, with citrus and melon flavors along with gentle but refreshing acidity. Good from the can, but better in a glass.

91

Kate Arnold 2023 North Coast Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast, CA ($22)

Smartly styled to work well as a stand-alone sipping wine or as a partner for a wide range of foods, this holds true to the variety with fresh citrus and white melon fruit notes. A touch of grassiness never turns overly herbaceous, and the acidity lends refreshment value without seeming too tart.

93

Kate Arnold 2023 Riesling, Columbia Valley, Washington ($22)

Crystalline purity of fruit and excellent balance between acidity and sweetness are the keys to this wine’s success. The touch of sweetness seems much more a characteristic of ripe fruit than “residual sugar.” Neither as tart nor as mineral as German Rieslings, but convincingly delicious in its own way.

90

L. Prima 2021 Pinot Noir, Central Coast ($17)

Plum and espresso on nose and palate concur that this is a savory, earthy red. Keen acidity and cinnamon-spiced cedar linger on the finish.

90

L. Prima 2023 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($13)

From America’s first family of Chardonnay, this is an expressive, alluring white with balanced oak, acid and generous tropical fruit. Fresh and clean, with notes of honeysuckle and papaya.

93

Loveblock 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($33)

Glistening with bright acidity accented by pink grapefruit and just-sliced pineapple. Candied green apple punctuates mid-palate with an appealing salinity and crispness.