Wine Reviews

91

Ramsay 2022 Chardonnay, California ($20)

Spiced sandalwood, lemon verbena, and vanilla bean create a clean, precise white at a great price. While the mouthfeel is unctuous, a fine acidity intercepts for a crisp, balanced finish.

93

Redbank 2021 Chardonnay, King Valley, Victoria, Australia ($25)

Aged sur lies, this is a luscious white with gardenia, honeysuckle, and lemon blossom. Finishes with crisp Asian pear, dried figs, and a dollop of vanilla wafer.

91

River Road 2021 Double Oaked Chardonnay, California ($17)

French and American oak play starring roles, with character players vanilla, pineapple, and lemon bar. A balanced performance!

95

Roberto Sarotto 2018 Barbaresco Riserva DOCG, Piedmont, Italy ($55)

A stunning red with lush undertones of violets, dark chocolate cherries and fennel. The velvet-lined mouthfeel is memorable.

92

Rockview 2022 Reserve Chardonnay, Mendocino ($26)

Exotic notes of jasmine, ginger, and lemon verbena meld with spicy sandalwood. Mid-point notes of pineapple and honey dew lend a sweetness to tapioca creaminess. Vivid acidity maintains freshness.

89

Root:1 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Colchagua Valley, Chile ($13)

Aromas are led by true-to-place notes recalling dried herbs and cedar, with black fruit favors akin to dark berries and black cherries. Little oak is evident, and little is needed, as the fruit carries this beautiful bargain.

93

Save Me San Francisco 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, CA ($50)

A Bordeaux-like elegance and complexity, with deep, penetrating aromas of plum and mocha. Bold notes of blackberry preserves, sweet tobacco, and mocha latte are sensuous and rich on the palate. The cedar-cinnamon finish was lengthy and texturally appealing.

93

Scattered Peaks 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($45)

Aged 18 months in (50% new) French oak, and with 14% Merlot, Winemaker Steven Urberg’s newly released 2021 vintage is a teeth-grabber. Dusty coca tannins displays an affinity with cedar, wet stone, blackberry, dried violets, and beet root. Still in its youth, it shows much promise.