Wine Reviews

92

Cupcake Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay, Monterey County, California ($12)

This wine is an event, but no need to bring your own buttered popcorn, the taste is included. Stone fruit and pineapple accompany raw honey with just the slightest hint of orange slices. Earthier components emerge on the palate, with a creamy wave of vanilla and hay alongside a surprising layer of lanolin and petrichor.

92

Cupcake Vineyards 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand ($12)

Immediately this wine demonstrates a flair for freshness. The grapes are harvested at night and fermented in stainless steel tanks to highlight the fruit. There is a mélange of mouthwatering flavors, from ripe cantaloupe to yuzu and kiwi with a bit of jalapeño. Sensations of prickly tension burst like pop-rocks on the tongue with a lengthy finish of sun-kissed tropicality.

94

Cusumano 2023 Jalé Chardonnay, Terre Siliciane IGT, Italy ($40)

With a low abv of 13%, this unique Chardonnay speaks to wet stone, lemon custard, pineapple, and toasted pecan. Its complexity is significant; it is an expression of soil, providing a refreshing quality of texture and richness.

93

Cusumano 2023 Nero D’Avola, Sicilia DOC, Italy ($17)

Mineral-rich, food-friendly beauty. Black cherry and cherry pith glisten alongside balsamic and sweet earth. A hint of fennel and black tea surface on the finish.

92

Cuvaison 2023 Estate Chardonnay, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($35)

A squeeze of lemon over toffee signals a super slick and fresh Chardonnay. Almond brittle sweetens sandalwood, while white flowers and a line of flint entertains on the finish.

92

Cuvaison 2023 Estate Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($45)

Just-ripened raspberry and cherry opens with the vibrancy of high-toned acidity. Roses are spiced with cinnamon and clove, fanning across the palate for a lingering, zippy tonality.

93

Dalkeith 2024 Kalmoesfontein Chenin Blanc, Swartland, South Africa ($45)

Aged nine months in neutral French oak, this complex white shows notes of fresh linen, lime chiffon, pine nuts, and parchment. It has sleek, clean lines with a nice body feel. Herbes de Provence season lemon zest with a lilt of wet stone on the finish.

95

Davis Bynum 2023 Bacigalupi Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($70)

Cherries brighten the earthy perfume emanating from the glass. Dusky notes of tobacco are subdued by a fresh acidity. With a depth of flavor and spice, the wine is accented with red licorice and woodsy forest floor. Dried herbs complement plum, mushroom, and leather, as a dot of cinnamon spice readies the palate for the next sip. Aged 14 months in 67% new French oak.