Wine Reviews

90

Kim Crawford 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($15)

Savory fragrances emerge, reminiscent of mirepoix and kumquat. The palate rides a wave of citrus lift with a hint of stony minerality and a pleasant roundness throughout. The flavors evoke the classic characteristics that New World Sauvignon Blanc lovers will recognize and cherish.

94

Kingsnake by Thurlow Cellars 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($98)

Tobacco and graphite define its debut moment on the palate, dotted with black pepper and mocha-kissed oak. Washed by black plum, its broad-shouldered power is relieved by an innate acid structure that slithers to a tarry finish with soy sauce, black tea, and sage.

92

Kosmic Kitty 2023 Pinot Grigio, California ($12)

The perfume is a symphony of the tropics – with melon, passionfruit, kiwi and lime zest. You can almost hear the steel drums alongside the island vibes. A refreshing citrus lift bolsters and refreshes. Flavors abound with increased nuance on the palate, with notes of papaya, chalk, anisette and orange slices. A summer sipper that is relentlessly laid back and easy to enjoy: this cat purrs.

92

Kosmic Kitty 2023 Pinot Noir, California ($12)

The light ruby color borders on rosé. The fragrance is redolent with fresh strawberries and bubblegum under a blanket of marmalade and a touch of floral stems. With inviting and bold flavors of blood orange and watermelon, this offers just enough sinewy structure to keep it focused. This red would make anyone a cat lover.

94

L’Ami des Crustacés by Gustave Lorentz, AOC Alsace, France ($25)

Translated to “the friend of crustaceans,” and sporting a label design depicting illustrations of shellfish, this wine undoubtedly marries well with creatures from the deep sea. Briny, crushed stone minerality instantly charms, lithe and electric. Lemon sorbet and tangerine blossom make for a scintillating white.

93

La Ronciere 2022 MAYTA Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Licanten, Chile ($40)

This is a traditionally styled Cabernet from Chile, which is to suggest that it shows aromas of eucalyptus, dried herbs, and cedar despite tasting fully ripe on the palate. I admire wines in this style, but they are becoming ever rarer. It shows excellent aromatic complexity along with medium body and an interesting mix of fruity and savory flavors.

95

La Sucursal 2020 Rioja DOCa, Spain ($37)

A study in contrast, this 100% Tempranillo is supple yet taut, aristocratic yet unstuffy. There is a dynamic interchange of unexpected flavors, from tilled earth and plum and violets to pound cake, smoked char and cherries jubilee. The balance and elegance and lingering intensity is pure delight.

92

LaLuca Senza de-alcoholized Sparkling, Veneto, Italy ($17)

The nose offers an array of aromas, including yogurt and creme fraiche and a touch of leesiness. The wine is charged with an effervescent gusto, and pleasant flavors unfold, including hawthorne and lemon zest and even a hint of pie crust.