Wine Reviews

94

Dei 2017 Sancta Catharina, Tuscany, Italy ($95)

A blend of 30% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Upstanding, elegant, and engrossing. This attention-getting red shows a fine acid structure, minerality, and black fruit. Espresso runs deep, embedded with white pepper and balsamic.

89

Devil’s Candy 2020 Napa Valley Red ($40)

Medium deep purple/red color amped with red fruit, savory spice, cracked pepper, charred wood notes, black licorice, and bittersweet chocolate. Moderate intensity, with good weight on the palate; round, and soft in character, with some length on the palate.

90

District 7 2021 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey ($20)

Sleek and structured with an athletic arm, ripe blackberry is seasoned with white pepper, coffee bean and vanilla-kissed oak.

94

Dolum Estates 2018 Cask #11 Red, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley ($82)

With a nine percent addition of fruit from Oakville, this blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc is determined and driven with insistent tannins. Plum, lavender, and espresso are enveloped in a dusty coating for a chewy, dry finish.

94

Dolum Estates 2021 Cask #28 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($120)

Bright fruit with grippy, chalky tannins. Muscular, with black fruit, fennel, and espresso astringency. A pleasurable persuasion of mocha-kissed violets on the finish.

92

Element[AL] 2022 Chardonnay, California ($17)

This wine shows depth of character with a creamy, vanilla pudding base. Notes of Italian herbs ramp up its unique profile, leveled by lemon cookie and a smooth, honeysuckle-inspired finish.

92

Element[AL] 2022 Pinot Grigio, California ($17)

Lively and lean, with purity in summer pear, lime blossom, and a glossy mouthfeel. A line of salty minerals sweeps through mid-palate and adds luster to its high-toned acidity.

91

Element[AL] 2022 Pinot Noir, California ($17)

Dusky and earthy, with heady notes of sassafras, bramble, and plum. Juicy, with red tea and a tincture of tobacco on the finish.