Wine Reviews

94

J. Rickards 2023 Five Sisters Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($49)

This components of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot were fermented and barrel-aged separately for 20 months in French oak barrels, then combined to create Five Sisters Blend. Black cherries, coffee, and dark chocolate thread through plush tannins. There’s an old-world style here, with an earthy, mineral-driven core. Plum and cassis drive along a silky path towards the long finish.

96

Quilt “The Grace of the Land” 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($110)

Stamina and charm are delivered by this majestic red, as it wraps itself around the palate. Coffee and black forest cake are exquisitely entwined. Elegant tannins are surrounded by violets, dark chocolate, and sandalwood.

95

Quilt “The Mark of the Land” 2024 B.B.C. (Big Beautiful Chardonnay), Napa Valley ($75)

Saffron and buttercup envelop tangerine cream and caramel apple. Delightfully expansive on the palate, with a woodsy persona accentuating peanut brittle and lemon meringue. Could not be more engaging.

93

Quilt 2023 “The Grace of the Land” Fumé Blanc Reserve, Napa Valley ($35)

With a foundation of lemon-vanilla cream, the salinity pulls through with a cool streak of acidity. This white has body and style all its own.

96

Rhys 2023 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains ($54)

Steely, with tart lemon wedge and a beaming acidity. Vivacious and focused, amplified to a high frequency. Sweet basil and crisp pear filter through on the vibrating finish.

96

Rhys 2023 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County ($49)

With a grip, notes of sage and bramble wrap around black cherries while red tea tannins dry the palate. Dark and mysterious, with a forest floor element attaching itself to just-picked wild strawberries. Burgundian in style and delivery.

94

Rhys 2023 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains ($54)

From the winery’s organically dry-farmed vineyards, this wine has well developed mineral tonality, balanced by the energy of barely ripened red berries and the liveliness of its innate acid structure. Earthy notes are matched by milk chocolate and white pepper.

91

Ryokō Junmai Ginjo, Premium Japanese Sake, Kyoto, 720 ml ($20)

A bright, juicy, clean, and refreshing saké, with a lush, full-bodied, creamy mid-center, and built on tropical fruit notes and expressive white floral character, which complements the more orchard-fruit-driven palate, all underscored by mineral-rich acid tension. Polished to at least 60%, best paired with hard and soft cheeses.