Wine Reviews

90

Vila Nova 2023 Vinho Verde DOC, Portugal ($12)

Made from Loureiro, Avesso, and Arinto grapes, this white wine is from the Lencastre family, who trace their ancestry back to the Royal Family of Portugal from the 15th century. Aromas beam with sliced pears and white flowers. Scintillating acidity arms a lean and crisp mouthfeel. Wet stone, kiwi, and fresh linen are subtle, and carry through to the finish.

97

Wallis 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Terrace Vineyard, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley ($125)

Wallis 2022 Diamond Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley ($125) BOTTLE
A true Earth Mother, speaking to sol, graphite, tobacco and warm sunshine. Rich boysenberry back notes peek through, washed with espresso and walnut. It’s at mid-point that jasmine blooms, black raspberry ripens, and vanilla cedar offers itself up for an elegant finale.

96

Wallis 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, St. Helena, Napa Valley ($125)

Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown captured the essence of Bordeaux with a California soul in this wine. Starting with big, grippy tannins and a power pack of black currant, cassis, and dried violets, its earthy nature is triggered. As it opens up, the floral essence broadens, with red roses surrounding tobacco, anise, and graphite. The layers persist on the gentled, and elegantly structured finish.

91

7 Deadly Zins 2021 Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi ($20)

Hedonistic and sumptuous, with jammy notes of raspberry and black cherry. Spiced beets, bramble, and a dot of cinnamon capture the essence of this sinfully delicious red.

92

Adventure Oregon 2022 Pinot Noir, Oregon ($15)

Visually translucent and bright red, Adventure is a fitting name as the notes of fresh earth leap out of the glass. There is a rustic quality with a hint of smoke, truffle and fresh strawberries. Endlessly drinkable, this is perfect with a slight chill, perhaps accompanied by a mountain breeze.

90

Among the Giants 2021 Merlot, Goose Gap, Columbia Valley, WA ($20)

Rich and ripe, with black cherry surrounded by firm, well-developed tannins. Flavors of coffee and plum skin are dusky and savory.

92

Among the Giants 2022 Chardonnay, Goose Gap, Columbia Valley, WA ($20)

A stunning performer at this price. Its flavors come in waves from crème fraiche to lemon bar and crushed pineapple. A hint of vanilla on the finish lingers.

92

Angels Ink 2023 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($15)

Sunshine in a glass, with white-peppered peach, ripe pineapple, and bracing acidity. Fresh and clean.