Wine Reviews

91

Paso Highlands Cellars 2022 Zinfandel, California ($20)

From mountain country south of Paso Robles, this ripe red is a teeth-gripper, with bright acidity. The mouthfeel offers a dusty textural sensation, with notes of dried roses and underbrush. The zippy finish offers white peppered red cherries.

90

Pasqual Toso Brut Mendoza, Argentina ($13)

Pale yellow color, light-bodied wine made with Chardonnay grapes. Stone fruit flavors of pear, peach, and apricot shine through along with tropical notes of green melon and banana. There are also hints of lemon zest, green apple, elderflower, and biscuit. The wine has small bubbles and a mild herbaceous quality.

94

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut Heritage NV, Champagne, France ($47)

A charmer in classic fashion, this blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay proffers white flower–strewn scents of sourdough, yellow apple, apricot, and marzipan that reverberate on the fresh and snappy yet fleshy palate along with poached pear in crème Anglaise and lime leaf. The slightly salty finish zings.

97

Quilt 2018 The Grace of the Land Pinot Noir, Napa Valley ($110)

Luxuriously appointed notes of violets on velvet, with a backdrop of black cherry liqueur. Well-structured even though its plush pillow texture is preternatural. Finishes with hints of cassis and dark chocolate.

93

Quilt 2022 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($35)

Medium bodied, with juicy peach, honeysuckle, and Meyer lemon. Wispy notes of lanolin and a silky vanilla toastiness are endearing.

93

Quilt 2022 Fumé Blanc Reserve, The Grace of the Land, Napa Valley ($35)

Complex aromatics of tropical fruit like lychee and guava, along with grapefruit, gooseberry, bell pepper, thyme, and elderflower. Silky texture. Grapefruit dominates on the palate with nice acidity, minerality, and a mild oak nuance.

91

Ramsay 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($20)

Extroverted flavors of black peppered cherry and cigar leaf. Juicy and bold, with balanced oak and acidity.

92

Reata 2021 Three County Pinot Noir, Sonoma, Monterey & San Benito Counties ($20)

While earthy notes are prevalent, raspberry tart, plum, and cinnamon are bright and cheery. Red tea has a bit of spice, matched with vivid acid structure and a light, buoyant mouthfeel.