Wine Reviews

93

Meyye Wines 2015 Palachchak Zinfandel, Shenandoah Valley, California ($70)

This 2015 vintage displays wonderfully complex and harmonious aromas. The flavors are abundant with brambly berry notes, and though the texture is soft, there’s enough tannic structure to support the wine’s abundant ripeness.

95

Minus Tide 2021 Pinot Noir, Manchester Ridge Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge, Mendocino ($48)

Juicy and bright, with brushy notes, notably white pepper, and oregano. Pomegranate and black cherry dig deep into an earthy layer. Acidity adds oomph, but its savory qualities are memorable. The Vineyard lies at 2,000 feet in elevation and part of the Mendocino Ridge appellation, the only non-contiguous AVA in the U.S.

92

Minus Tide 2021 Syrah, Valenti Vineyard, Mendocino Ridge, Mendocino ($42)

Vineyard elevations reaching 1,600 provide the fruit for this powerful red. Pepper stands out alongside black plum and dried violets. A base of roasted coffee bean and charcuterie add to its French accent.

91

Muriel 2019 Rioja DOC, Spain ($18)

Soft, grainy tannins are enveloped in mocha and plum. Soy sauce integrates with roasted coffee bean. Deep and concentrated, leveled out by a fine acidity.

94

Murrieta’s Well 2022 Rosé, Livermore Valley ($35)

Aromas of cinnamon-coated cherry and hibiscus is just the start of something special. This blend of 51% Grenache, 40% Counoise, and 9% Mourvèdre show exotic, tropical flowers, matched with persimmon and white tea leaves. Each sip is akin to a bite from a Gala apple, with an orange peel and white peppered middle. Exciting mouthfeel: light and fresh.

96

Neto’Fa Dor 2017 Syrah, Galilee, Israel ($60)

Savory and salty with earthy notes of charcuterie, iron, and black plum. The taste of maturity comes through with concentrated dark berries, coffee-cedar and a decidedly creamy finish.

90

Nielson 2021 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County ($16)

Aromatically expressive with scents of red and black cherries accented with spicy undertones and a note recalling tomato plant leaves that often results from some whole cluster fermentation. Stylishly light in color and weight, this still offers plenty of flavor, though thankfully without any excess oak, nor any sweetness that doesn’t seem to emanate from the fruit.

91

Old Soul 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi ($15)

Ripe and rich, with black cherry and plum declaring alignment with espresso and charred oak. An old world earthiness ensues on the finish.