Wine Reviews

91

Marqués de Valor 2023 Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain ($18)

Salty sea breezes tickle the nose and palate. Lemon sorbet and tarragon perch on the tongue, with a zingy, bright acidity which maintains freshness.

95

MAXIMAL 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($65)

Created by Atelia Melka for Westwood Estates, this red is perfumed with mulberry and lavender. A woodsy earthiness delivers dark soil notes, graphite, and espresso. Cassis rises to the fore, with a creamy undertone of raspberry mousse. Finishes dusty and dry, with lightly grained, medium tannins that linger, taking a long, drawn out, bow.

91

Mina Mesa 2021 Zinfandel, Paso Robles, California ($13)

Vigorous and nimble, this Zinfandel would perform admirably alongside a juicy steak. The hardy tannins are center stage, backed by an ensemble belting notes of ripe plum, blackcurrant and basil leaf. The dénouement is an interplay of pleasant tension with gratifying roundness.

92

Minuty M 2023 Rosé, Côtes de Provence ($22)

Impeccably dry but still quite flavorful, it shows very appealing flavors recalling red plums and cherries with a fresh edge of citrus acidity.

92

Moillard Grivot (2023) Chablis, Burgundy, France ($35)

Pale color with a yellow tinge, lifted, fresh, lively aroma highlighting citrus and green apple notes. Bright and zesty on the palate, good purity with primary fruit character, and mouthwatering acidity. Medium bodied, the textural note indicates lees stirring for added complexity, along with good length on the finish. Cool temperature fermentation in stainless steel provides ample freshness and precision on the palate.

95

Moret-Brealynn 2023 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($50)

Roses perfume nose and palate, with benevolent white cherries garnishing cinnamon-kissed red apples. Mid-point earthiness sets a delicate tone, without interrupting the aromatics of fruit and floral. Winemaker Moret Brealynn Chavez notes that this was the coldest vintage in memory, from an already cool climate AVA.

93

Nieto Senetiner 2021 Don Nicanor Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($25)

Juicy, with a flow of concentrated boysenberry mocha. Gentle tannins surround black raspberry, molasses, and a touch of white pepper.

92

Oberon 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($25)

Packed with flavor but not overblown, this is a great choice for restaurant lists as well as home-grilled steaks, lamb chops, or flavorful cheeses. For a Cabernet check clocks in at just 13.7% alcohol, it is remarkably expressive in both aromatic and flavor terms, with notes of black plums and Bing cherries and light edging from oak.