Wine Reviews

92

Barrel Oak Winery 2024 Rosé, Middleburg, Virginia ($25)

Apricots are vibrant, with melon and honey following for this blend of 65% Chambourcin and 35% Seyval Blanc. Acidity keeps a fresh watch, surrounding a stony mid-section bursting with flavor.

93

Barrel Oak Winery 2024 Seyval Blanc, Middleburg, Virginia ($25)

The wow factor is ignited by a grassy aroma along with freshly squeezed grapefruit. Sparked with bristling acidity, flavors of honeyed pears and orange blossom come to life, seasoned with chervil and rosemary. It delivers a racy character with oodles of inner sunshine.

93

Bel Colle 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Piedmont, Italy ($20)

Nebbiolos from the broader Langhe region aren’t as complex as Barolo or Barbaresco—but neither are they as astringent or woody when newly released. This outstanding example of the breed shows the class of the grape variety with subtle florals recalling violets and roses, following up with delicious fruit similar in flavor to Morello cherries and red raspberries.

93

Bel Colle 2024 Roero Arneis DOCG, Piedmont, Italy ($24)

An excellent rendition of Arneis from Roero, an appellation just across the Tanaro River from Alba, Barolo, and Barbaresco, this offers very nicely ripened fruit recalling fresh peaches and apricots. Light floral aromas get it off to a very appealing start, and mouthwatering acidity lifts the fruit flavors and energizes the pure and persistent finish.

90

Belle 2025 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva, Valle del Maule, Chile ($10)

Peaches and cream teem from the glass with a seductively aromatic profile. There’s a touch of bell pepper paired with ripe papaya, pineapple and kiwi fruit, evoking an endless Caribbean horizon. This is the Belle of any ball and the finish is girded with a citrus kiss.

93

Belle Glos 2024 Balade Chardonnay, Arroyo Seco, Monterey ($55)

Voluptuous, with lemon zest and toasted walnut. The rich style speaks to abundant sunshine and sweet oak. Ripe pineapple and baked pear add depth on the finish.

94

Belle Glos 2024 Böen Haribach Reserve Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($45)

The wine opens with ripe berries in aspic, black strap molasses, and soy sauce. This reserve red makes a bold statement with tilled soil, black cherry liqueur, and tobacco leaf, and its backbone and well-endowed acidity holds up as a match to a variety of cuisine.

90

Benziger Family Winery 2023 Merlot, CA ($20)

Licorice and black pepper are illuminated by rich notes of black cherry for this certified sustainable red. Silky tannins soothe on the finish.