Wine Reviews

91

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

Hibiscus tea and rose petals perk up with an inherent salinity. Notes of cranberry and white cherry are led by a zippy acidity.

92

Elouan 2023 Rosé, Oregon ($20)

Dynamic and expressive, this Rosée of Pinot Noir offers saturated notes of watermelon and raspberry. A hint of hibiscus and turmeric ring in mid-way for a sweet and savory surprise.

89

Ettore 2021 Chardonnay Pure, Mendocino ($28)

Produced from organic grapes, with a pale, youthful color. Possesses a bright, fresh, clean, vibrant character with citrus, green apple, and pine needle. Medium bodied with ample acidity to provide lift on the palate, fermented in stainless steel with full malolactic.

96

Flora Springs 2021 Trilogy, Napa Valley ($100)

This is the winery’s flagship blend, composed of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, and 5% Malbec. The Komes family have been crafting this red since 1984, and this is the label’s 38th bottling. The wine was fermented in stainless steel and then aged in small French (90%) and American (10%) oak for 18 months. Suede-textured entry with concentrated blueberry bramble and a sprinkle of white pepper. It has an approachable, caressing nature with a mocha-mint middle. An embrace of graphite adds to the concentration, with a soil-rich core, reminiscent of Pauillac.

92

Gehricke 2022 Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($29)

The wine revels in high-toned mulberry, spiced black raspberry, and clove. A hint of underbrush, red beets, and wild strawberry linger on the palate, seasoned with white pepper. Fresh, with bright acidity.

92

Goldschmidt Vineyards 2022 Chelsea Merlot, Guidestone Rise, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($25)

Luscious and ripe, with brandied cherries, sweet tobacco, red beets, and cinnamon toast. Over-delivers in volumes.

93

Goldschmidt Vineyards 2022 Singing Tree Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($22)

Scintillating, with a juicy wrap-around-your-mouth acidity. Summer pear, honeysuckle and a flinty mineral component are well formatted. It simply gleams with apricot and a touch of soil.

90

Gruet Le Spritz Le Fleuriste NV ($25)

Bright notes of lemon drop and rind are intertwined with white flowers and hints of stone fruit to make for a clean, crisp aperitif inspired by the Hugo Spritz that’s a delight alongside a simple spread of Castelvetrano olives and Marcona almonds. 12.5% ABV.