Wine Reviews

94

Wallis Family Estate 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wallis Denali Vineyard, St. Helena, Napa Valley ($125)

The fullness of Cabernet Sauvignon is on display from first sniff, which is redolent with fresh berry coulis and blooming violets. Aged in 80% new French Oak and bottled unfined and unfiltered, the palate is sumptuous and seductive with a lively interplay of all-spice and cherry pie. Firm like an iron-hand in a velvet glove, the wine is luxurious yet inviting.

93

Wallis Family Estate 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wallis Haas Vineyards, Diamond Mountain Ranch, Napa Valley ($125)

Ruby red in color with powerful perfumes of dark chocolate and cherry cola. Graceful notes of piquant herbs and earth yield to a bevy of baking spices with ripe, dense fruit. There’s heft without the heaviness as layers of complexity unfold.

91

Wente Vineyards 2023 Morning Fog Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA ($18)

Toasted brioche sets on the palate with a creamy wash. Perky acidity livens up notes of lemon sorbet, white tea, and fresh melon.

99

Westwood Legend 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($175)

Organic and Biodynamic vineyards add to the optimum reinforcement of this spectacular 20-month French-oak aged Cabernet Sauvignon. Chewy, grippy tannins and a foundation of graphite meld with notes of licorice, black olive, and blackberry. This massive red surges with energy and power, maintaining its luxurious finish with tobacco and black cherries.

94

17 by Pinea 2020, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($65)

Chalky minerals lead a parade of dusty characters: cocoa, plum skin, and dried violets. Tannins are upright and meaty. Mid-palate notes of licorice, dried figs, and worn leather lend gravitas to a backdrop of deep, dark blackberry.

91

3 Rings 2021 Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia ($20)

This Shiraz boasts a rich and inviting profile highlighted by black fruit flavors of blackberry, blueberry, and black currant, complemented by herbaceous notes of thyme and velvety spices such as mocha, vanilla, and cloves. The bright acidity and soft tannins complement the bold flavors of black fruit, black pepper, licorice, and earthy/tobacco notes

90

Acrobat 2023 Pinot Gris, Oregon ($15)

Mineral rich, with bright acidity. Notes of lemon sorbet, laurel, and dusted white flowers maintain a bright, shiny tone from start to finish.

95

Acumen PEAK 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley ($135)

Shows justifying complexity and class immediately after the cork is pulled. Very expressive in both aroma and flavor, it has already absorbed most of its oak and shows superb balance between fruit sweetness, tannin, and wood.