Category: wine mini-reviews

NV Dow’s 20 Year Tawny Port (Porto): Still the rich, caramel infused Mac Daddy of Tawnies. $70 A-

2019 Rozes ‘Terras do Grifo’ Riserve Tinto (Douro): Yummy! Lots of red fruit and spice, and tastiness to spare. $16 B+

2021 Quinta de Roriz ‘Prazo de Roriz’ (Douro): A nice intro to classic Douro stills: fresh, fruity, & vivacious, with hints of leather and baking spices. $19 B

2020 Carpineto Dogajolo (Toscana): Tangy, with ample verve—and ample grip, too. $15 B…

2019 Casa Ferreirinha ‘Papa Figos’ Tinto (Douro): Well structured and getting straight to the spicy, juicy point. $17 B

2022 Dow’s Vale do Bomfim Branco (Douro): Bright citrus, bright mouthfeel, and a bright choice for bright people. $15 B

2023 Lucy Wines ‘Pico Blanco’ (Monterey County): Like a very richly adorned Alsatian showing up in Nor Cal and hitting it off with the locals. $26 B+…

2019 Paul Tagliaferro Cullen Rockin’ Rosso (Langhe): A robust, mineral reminder that wine’s primary mission in life is to bring joy. $26 B+

2011 Coppo Moncalvina (Moscato d’Asti): Still alive, still delicious, still giving a floral middle finger to the haters. $NA B+

2016 Ranch 32 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon (Monterey): Lots of currant, cherry, graphite, and prettiness. $20 B+…

NV Celene Amethyste Cremant de Bordeaux Blanc de Noirs Brut (Bordeaux): A lot of finally tuned verve and elegance for the cash outlay. $25 B+

2020 Le Mas des Flauzieres Seguret Cuvee Julien (Cotes du Rhone Villages): Meaty, beefy, hearty, and haughty. $20 B+

2019 Attems Pinot Grigio Friuli (Friuli-Venezia Giulia): Honey, lemon, blossom, bruised apples, toast… A stylish and fun overachiever. $18 B+…