Wine Reviews

91

Myka Cellars 2021 Barbera, Sierra Foothills, CA ($30)

Moderate density core with a vibrant red color at the edge of the glass. Pleasant, lifted red fruit aromas, cherry, raspberry, connected to a subtle dried herb note. Good palate presence with plenty of volume, yet made in a very accessible, immediately appealing style. There’s a textural component that provides volume and an expansive character, along with well-integrated oak notes that lend some added range. Soft and rounded on the finish.

90

Needle & Thread 2022 Chardonnay, California ($14)

Crafted by the winemakers of Bread & Butter, this Chardonnay takes a deep dive into vanilla biscuit, cashew butter, and tapioca. Rich notes are sparked with a wet stone center, softened by papaya and plantain.

92

Nieto Sentiner 2020 Don Nicanor Barrel Select Malbec, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($30)

Muscular and well proportioned, this big, bold red holds court with noteworthy tannic structure. Teeth-coating, with dried violets, blackberry, and black cherry skins.

92

NUXY Revenge 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($48)

Spiced cinnamon, mulberry, and white pepper saturates the palate. Juicy, with high acid profile. Slate accents bramble and leads to a lengthy, floral, and red fruited finish.

95

On Q 2021 Appasionata Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley ($215)

Black cherry and currants are surrounded by slate and espresso. Dried violets add depth and texture to this opulent red.

95

Opolo 2021 Zinfandel Reserve, Remo Belli Vineyard, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($50)

This calcareous vineyard, packed with limestone and ancient seabed – was planted over 50 years ago by grape grower Richard Sauret and musician Remo Belli, who was the developer and marketer of the first synthetic drumheads. Bound for glory, this wine pulses with a decisively rhythmic beat. Blessed with dark chocolate, coffee bean, bramble, and black cherry, taste the soil, both savory and salty.

93

Opolo 2021 Zinfandel Reserve, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($50)

French and American oak aging and an extended growing season results in an intense, ripe red with baking spices, roasted coffee bean, and black cherry. Juicy and sleek, with bright acidity. Charred oak on mid-palate, along with herbes de Provence, dries to a fine dust on the finish.

91

Paringa 2022 Sparkling Shiraz, South Australia ($18)

A blend of 85% Shiraz and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark berries merge with red tea tannins for a seriously concentrated bubbly. Pomegranate and bittersweet dark chocolate are surrounded by cigar leaf and coffee for a sweet-savory experience.