Wine Reviews

93

JJ Hot Blood 2022 Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, AOP Bergerac, France ($17)

Teeming with raspberries on raspberries and a spoonful of vanilla cream, this blend is arresting with warm, comforting aromas. This is a hearty embrace in a glass, with a bounty of fresh bramble fruit, violets and a sturdy backbone that is eager to please…and succeeds.

92

JJ Hot Blood 2023 Chardonnay, IGP Pays d’Oc, France ($17)

Brimming with kiwi and lime, this is the picture of freshness. There is a zip of electricity swaddled in acacia flowers with a touch of butter. Lemon zest persists with a resonant note of chalky stone. It is energetic and angular with an equal measure of playfulness.

97

Joseph Phelps 2022 Insignia, Napa Valley ($365)

This iconic estate grown red (92% Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc) is a preview of the winery’s direction of a sustainable multi-year push towards agroecology on its Home Ranch. The liquid glides across the palate, lacing in ripe plum pudding, melted milk chocolate, and sweet cedar. Its graceful, regal presence is its superpower, attuned to finely grained tannins and above all, the art of balance.

88

Just Enough Wines 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast, CA ($8)

Hailing primarily from Paso Robles, this canned blend of 83% Cabernet with 9% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 1% Teroldego is a smooth sipper. Scents of black plum and black raspberry mingle with dark chocolate and roast coffee, while the ripe, fruity palate is accented by black pepper and cherry-vanilla cola.

85

Just Enough Wines 2024 Brut Bubbles. Central Coast, CA ($8)

The appeal of this canned blend of 94% Chardonnay and 6% Pinot Grigio is straightforward enough: Crisp green apple, lemon drop, and pineapple pop on the nose as a prelude to lively acidity, a squeeze of more lemon, and a slice of white peach on the finish.

92

Kate Arnold 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast, CA ($23)

This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is elegant and layered with a medley of finely tuned wood, nuttiness, hay, an atomizer’s worth of sea spray and whispers of char and smoke. The lifted citrus is triumphant with a final cascade of salinity on the finish.

90

Keepa 2024 Carmenère, Chile ($12)

Black raspberry and purple plum are seasoned with thyme and basil. Mocha latte soothes, lending oaky notes that sweeten the palate. Acidity is evident, completing the cycle for freshness and a variety of cuisine partnerships. Excellent value.

92

King Stag 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($16)

Instantly engages the palate with dark chocolate-cherry. This suede-lined beauty is rich and inviting.