Wine Reviews

93

Wild Horse 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($27)

Dynamic with unbridled notes of dark cherry, tobacco, and spiced cedar. Rich and ripe, a stand-out contender displaying the prowess of the region’s ability to produce world-class Cabs.

92

Windstorm 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($18)

Chalky tannins steady the flow of black currant and black tea. Concentrated notes of new leather and spiced cedar converge on a foundation of wet stone.

92

Windstorm 2024 Chardonnay, Central Coast ($16)

Apricot, salted peanut brittle, and crisp acidity are brilliant starters. Apple tart is dotted with shaved lemon zest for a super-charged finish.

92

Wither Hills 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($16)

Here’s an exemplar of bang for the buck. In tandem with classic grapefruit and passion fruit, fragrances of papaya, muskmelon, and fennel charm, while the juiciness of nectarine jibes with the mouthfeel, clean yet slightly creamy due to judicious lees contact; thyme and a dash of salt lift the finish.

92

Zinister 2022 Red Blend, CA ($19)

With a Zinfandel-based profile, notes of bramble and fresh, ripe boysenberry signal a lively red with an outgoing personality. Redwood, licorice, and sweet basil season black plum pudding on the silky finish.

91

“CA Reserve” 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley ($85)

Notes of cured meats and beef broth tango with wild strawberry and coffee beans. Just-ripened black cherries show a sting of spice on the finish.

90

“CA Reserve” 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Sonoma Valley ($45)

Spiced plums and clove-kissed strawberries are accented by cedar and roasted coffee. Tannins are supple, but the spicy character lingers.

93

ACTA 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Battle Vineyard, Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($95)

Dripping with cherry-covered licorice and seasoned with tobacco and bramble, it is held up with cedar and saddle leather. Robust yet supple, this limited production red was aged for 23 months in 55% new French oak. The Battle Vineyard sits at the southern end of the Alexander Valley, with ample sun exposure, and according to the winery, the site possesses ideal soil structure.