Wine Reviews

91

Araciel 2024 Albariño, Haribach V. Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Co. ($30)

Beeswax, baked apple, sandalwood, and pineapple upsidedown cake lend a unique touch to this variety. Its leesy mouthfeel offers a nectar-like character.

94

Belle Glos 2024 Dairyman Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($55)

Crushed black cherries swim in melted milk chocolate. Its dense mouthfeel is freed from being jammy thanks to a bright, sun-kissed acidity. A hint of thyme and candied violets are a lovely treat that sets this red apart.

93

Böen 2024 Belle Glos Pinot Noir, Tri County ($25)

Fruit is sourced from Monterey Co (49%), Santa Barbara Co (31%) and Sonoma Co (20%). Rich, inviting notes of smashed boysenberries, cinnamon-vanilla, and cedar meld with beautifully balanced acidity. It’s fresh tasting, with a prickly, white pepper finish.

98

Chateau Margene 2023 Beau Mélange, Creston District, Paso Robles ($200)

Violets abound, with underlying spearmint, crushed plums, and plum skins. Holy moly, this is a dynamic red – a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 11% Malbec. Sun-drenched, with reined-in muscle.

96

Chateau Margene 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stella’s Vineyard, Creston District, Paso Robles ($100)

With some Merlot and Malbec, this compact and dense red offers polished tannins and a generous bath of boysenberry, red currant, sage, and dusty chocolate. Elegant and bold, its got backbone and a meaty mouthfeel.

95

Chateau Margene 2023 Malbec, Creston District, Paso Robles ($110)

Chewy tannins attach to plum, eucalyptus, graphite, and soil notes. The wine’s texture smooths out, revealing a rich vanilla playing field anchored by black tea, cedar, and blackberry.

94

Copia 2023 The Anchor, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($70)

Plush, dense, and inviting. Lavender and mocha charm with cool mineral undertones. This blend of 75% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and 10% Tempranillo exhibits mid-palate notes of dark chocolate-sandalwood surrounded by sweet earth and concentrated blackberries.

95

Copia 2023 The Cure, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($70)

A blend of 45% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre spends 20 months in French oak. Deep, alluring, and beautifully balanced. Wild strawberry lifts from the glass with dark chocolate and a plush mouthfeel. Salted, cured meats are noteworthy, with a dash of sage on the finish.