Wine Reviews

91

Brassfield Estate Winery 2024 Serenity Rosé of Pinot Noir, High Valley Appellation, Lake County ($22)

A perky pink sipper, with inherent mineral tones sparking notes of raspberry and peony. Refreshingly clean.

92

Bread & Butter 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($30)

Concentrated notes of cherry mocha, graphite, and licorice indicate backbone and elegance. Supple tannins are relaxed and approachable, for a most plush mouthfeel.

94

Bread & Butter 2023 Reserve Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($25)

Honeysuckle scents the glass, attuned to flavors of vanilla cookie and pine nuts. Creamy and succulent, with rich notes of mango, jasmine, and pineapple.

92

Bread & Butter 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($15)

Crisp and bright, with a zesty array of just-squeezed grapefruit. Pineapple sorbet lengthens on the refreshing finish.

95

Brigaldara 2018 Casa Vecie, Amarone della Valpolicella Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($120)

Exotic, plush, and amped with fresh acidity, this well-aged, high-altitude “Vigne Alte” Amarone shows its maturity in a decidedly delicious path of milk chocolate, jasmine, ripened figs, and white pepper.

94

Brigaldara 2019 Classico, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($100)

After 120 days of drying, vinification takes place for this blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. The wine is aged in large-volume wooden barrels for about three years. Focused and tense at 16.5% abv, with an inner strength that relies on cherry skins and high-toned acidity. Its tannins expand along with an underlying minerality, amplified by a dose of red berries.

94

Brigaldara 2020 Cavolo, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($80)

Plum liqueur and tilled soil, with a note of balsamic and a persisting floral bouquet entertains nose and palate. Take a deep dive into milk chocolate, Italian herbs, and toasted oak, with a graceful demeanor. A blend of 60% Corvina, 22 % Corvinone, and 18% Rondinella.

94

Busy Signal 2024 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County ($39)

Winemakers Adam Lee and Morét-Brealynn crafted an affordable, affable Pinot Noir that rings true to its terroir. Black raspberry possesses exotic floral tones, with a note of sweet soil and milk chocolate. Cranberry mid-point flavors are vibrant, with a zip of acidity and a veil of white pepper.