Category: wine mini-reviews

2011 Holman Ranch Vineyards Estate Grown Heather’s Hill Pinot Noir (Carmel Valley): In fine, meaty, and bright fighting-fit form. $37 A-

2020 Smith & Hook Proprietary Red Blend (Central Coast): In your face, but in an entertaining way. $22 B+

2018 Bannister Riesling (Cole Ranch): While not varietally all that recognizable, this is a delight—fresh, floral, and full of quince goodness. $30 A-

2022 Cattleya ‘Alma de Cattleya’ Sauvignon Blanc (Sonoma County): This is clearly the work of a winemaking wizard. Tropical, zesty, pithy, and also, at turns, even supple. $25 A-

2014 Northstar Winery Columbia Valley Merlot (Washington): Still managing to be both buxom and elegant. $25 B+

2019 Tenuta Carretta Bric Quercia Barbera d’Alba Superiore (Piedmont): The B at its biggest, sexiest, and most voluptuous. $21 B+

NV French Blue Brut Rose (Cremant De Bordeaux): Red plum, skin and all, in a fun and refreshing—if uncomplicated—presentation. $25 B

2018 Chateau de Fontenille Rose (Bordeaux): Candied watermelon, flinty notes, and tang for days. $15 B

2019 Maxime Graillot Domaine des Lises Equis Saint-Joseph (Rhone): An immensely versatile red that nails the freshness, black-and-white pepper action. $40 A-

2013 Principe Corsini Tenuta Marsiliana ‘Birillo’ (Costa Toscana): Now entering a nice minty, earthy phase to house that dark fruit. $24 B+

2014 Castello di Meleto ‘Camboi’ (Toscana): Savory AF. BUT… Still sporting great, tangy red fruit action. $50 A-

2016 Tenuta di Ghizzano ‘Il Ghizzano’ (Costa Toscana): The ‘Tobacco Road’ version of a Super Tuscan red. $25 B+

W & J Graham’s 10 Year Old Tawny Port (Portugal): This is a classic for very good reasons. Consistently excellent, easy to like, rich with toasted filbert, caramel, light butterscotch, dried fig. $39 A-