Wine Reviews

93

Wairau River 2022 Pinot Gris, Marlborough, NZ ($22)

Lush summer pear on nose and palate. A whisper of honeysuckle is uplifted by its refined acidity. A juicy showpiece

93

Wairau River 2022 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, NZ ($26)

Earth tones and dusty red tea gratify, surrounded by red cherry cola. Bright cranberry is seasoned by cinnamon emerge mid-way and last through the finish.

92

Wente 2021 Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Livermore Valley ($20)

Luscious flow of cherry-espresso, licorice, and soy sauce. Ripe and creamy, with round, supple tannins.

93

Yering Station 2021 Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia ($36)

Bright flavors come through, from lemon zest, green apple, and gooseberry to honeydew, apricot, and nectarine with a hint of honeysuckle. On the palate: citrus, green melon with a wet rock/mineral finish complemented with salinity.

92

22 Pirates 2021 Red Blend, Central Coast ($20)

Ripe and flavorful but neither over-ripe nor overly sweet, and the flavors are gutsy without any excess astringency, despite use of 33% new French oak. The blend is 42% Syrah, 21% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 9% Grenache, 8% Carignane and 6% Cinsault, and the result is a deliciously satisfying bargain…quite the opposite of piracy.

90

69 Miles Vineyard 2022 Chardonnay, Yolo County, CA ($20)

Aromas of ripe banana and vanilla custard lead to salted lemon, pineapple, and a wisp of peanut brittle on the palate. This is an alert, high-toned white. Tart, crisp, and bright.

92

Acidity Trip 2021 Pinot Noir, California ($18)

Cherries in mocha-laden cedar are an impressive start to this well-crafted red. Cranberry spice and beet root impact the palate midway. A bevy of salty herbs leave a salty finish.

92

Acidity Trip 2022 Coastal Chardonnay, 56% Monterey Co/34% Mendocino Co/ 10% Sonoma County ($18)

Barrel-fermented and sur lie aged for seven months in French and American oak, resulting in a mouth filling nectar of apple and apricot, with a toasty midpoint. Acidity is spot on, urging a dreamy finish that brings up flavors and visions of butterscotch-coated cashew.