Wine Reviews

93

Schmitt Söhne 2024 RELAX Riesling, QbA Reinhessen, Germany ($13)

Plump notes of lemon chiffon feature a grassy tonality. Fermented slightly dry, it offers ample weight, with notes of apple tart and fresh linen.

91

Schmitt Söhne 2024 Riesling, QbA Reinhessen, Germany ($11)

Pineapple and lime sorbet are a result of crisp, refreshing acidity. An underscore of minerality sets the clean tone.

89

Specially Selected 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($12)

Tangerine and honeysuckle show verve with a brilliant acidity. Lemon blossom and fresh melon are crisp and clean.

94

Staete Landt 2024 “Duchess” Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ($40)

A wild yeast, barrel-fermented, captivating white where minerality mingles with vibrant tropical fruits and grassy herbs. Lively acidity impacts lemon blossom on mid-palate to the vivacious finish of cashew butter.

91

StarWine Cellars 2023 Curious Chardonnay, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Cty. ($32)

With ample body and quite good depth of flavor, this is a “showy” Chardonnay that pulls up short of seeming overblown. Ripe fruit notes recalling poached peaches are nicely balanced by an undertone of toasty oak. With just enough acidity to achieve balance, this will be at its best if served fully chilled.

90

StarWine Cellars 2023 Curious Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Cty. ($42)

A surprisingly weighty Pinot from an appellation known largely for its relatively cool climate, this clocks in at 15.4% alcohol. That is manifested much more as sweetness and richness than overtly alcoholic heat, and an ample dose of spicy oak works well with the wine’s weight. A touch of wood tannin provides beneficial firmness in the finish.

93

Stoneleigh 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($18)

Thyme and lentil season crisp notes of grapefruit, gooseberry, and Granny Smith apple. Acidity reins in its underlying richness, but still remaining lively from start to finish.

90

Storyteller 2023 Summer Camp Chardonnay, Sonoma County ($15)

Caramel apple, lemon-kissed cedar, and crisp acidity forge a rich bond, with a mouthwatering finish.