Wine Reviews

91

Bonterra 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($15)

Bold and beautiful, with stand-up notes of espresso, black pepper, and blackberry, within a spiced oak frame. Tannins are grainy and bolstered by a fine acidity. Made with organic grapes.

92

Bonterra 2023 Rosé, California ($15)

Red cherry and yellow plum are cheery notes for a charming pink sipper. Light-hearted and fresh, boosted by fine acidity and a hint of minerality. Made with organic grapes.

95

Brandon Gregory 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Knights Valley, Sonoma County ($125)

A symphony of savory garrigue herbs, ripe raspberry with a touch of peppercorn charm on first taste. There is an immediate depth, plushness, and tension that envelopes the senses. Muscular without sacrificing freshness, this is a wine that craves food and rewards extra visits to the glass.

93

Bread & Butter 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($30)

Impressively flavorful, this Reserve Cab is rich but soft in texture, with very nicely balanced oak influence in relation to the fruit. Dark berry and black cherry fruit notes are pure and persistent, tailing off symmetrically in the finish along with the soft tannins and lightly toasty oak.

92

Calmel & Joseph 2023 Villa Blanche Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc ($25)

Bright and lively palate that showcases a coy interplay of minerality and orchard fruits. Subtle flavors of apple tart, pear skin, and vanilla emerge midpalate. A delicate touch of salinity on the back end adds a satisfying crescendo.

94

Calmel & Joseph 2023 Villa Blanche Grenache Rosé, IGP Pays d’Oc ($25)

Donning the softest shade of blush, the wine is zesty with great tension. Notes of grapefruit and candied apple prickle the senses. A lingering fusion of mineral and mandarin orange coats and cleanses the palate. You can almost hear and smell the Mediterranean from a beachside balcony with every sip.

94

Carmen 2021 Delanz Cabernet Sauvignon, Alto Jahuel, D.O. Maipo, Chile ($30)

Spiced mulberry is delivered on a hire wire of acidity and minerality. Fleshy and concentrated with notes of soy sauce, espresso, and leather. Dark chocolate notes impact black fruit and the finish offers a lengthy, woodsy tone.

95

Carmen 2022 Delanz Carmenère, D.O. Apalta, Chile ($30)

An outstanding single vineyard wine that sets a benchmark for this varietal. Ripe boysenberry is accentuated by woodsy notes of briar and espresso. Juicy and seamless, its suede texture a true pleasure on the palate, with ample structure, backbone, and weight.