Wine Reviews

91

The Hype 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($25)

Woodsy aromas consume your attention until you deep dive into an abyss of dark chocolate. Cigar leaf, licorice, and black plum add lush notes to the finish.

96

The Roost 2022 Chardonnay, Blue Heron Vineyard, Mendocino County ($30)

Saturating the palate with honeysuckle and juicy pear, this Burgundian-style California Chardonnay is one of the best we have tasted all year. Certainly a nod to the single vineyard and to Mendocino County. Lemon blossom adds to its floral essence, with a brightness that sings in high soprano. A touch of vanilla custard weaves its way towards a vivacious finish.

91

Three Thieves 2021 Pinot Noir, California Republic ($11)

Referred to as the “liberators of fine wine,” this super drenching red was created by Joel Gott, Charles Biehler, and Roger Scommes. Adding 14% Syrah and 7% Petit Verdot to the 79% Pinot Noir, it is aged in French and American oak, for a spiced, generously flowing texture. Wild strawberry and mocha perfume the glass. Black cherry and coffee bean go deep, with a savory soy sauce component. Red berries, cinnamon, and nutmeg clear the way for a lustrous finish.

91

Trivento 2021 Golden Reserve Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($23)

Medium weight, with juicy plum and spiced tobacco. Notes of coffee and cherry-vanilla leave a satisfying trace on the finish.

90

Trivento 2021 Maximum Red Blend, Mendoza, Argentina ($10)

A blend of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, this value-priced red offers bright cherry enveloped in striking acidity. Charcuterie, sweet tobacco, and cranberry add a tart touch to its salty, savory quality.

Tropical by Luca Bosio, Strawberry Moscato, Italy ($18)

Tropical by Luca Bosio, Ginger Lime Moscato, Italy 5.5abv ($18)
Bursting with zesty ginger and beaming with jasmine, this is one fizzy surprise. Candied lime and lime blossom accents the Moscato’s citrus-orange persona. 92

93

True Grit 2021 Petite Sirah, Mendocino ($30)

Packed with intense blackberry and cassis flavors that are pure and forgivingly juicy thanks to near-perfect ripening with a tinge of natural fruit sweetness. Minimal extraction and oak usage in the cellar finished this off beautifully. Nothing on the food side of a pairing will overwhelm this, so think big.

93

Tura Estate Winery 2018 Mountain Heights Cabernet Sauvignon, Judean Hills, Israel ($40)

Juicy, fresh blackberry, tobacco, mocha, and licorice layer on this complex red. Silky tannins flow with notes of soy sauce, cedar, and plum. Aged 22 months in French oak.