Wine Reviews

93

Illicit 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($16)

Flirtatious hints of dark chocolate, ripe blackberries and sweet cigarillos seduce on the nose. The juice gushes with succulent raspberries and sweet cherry pie. Lush and lifted, this red is full of bold pleasure.

92

Invicta 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast ($20)

A brooding character, co-starring graphite, black olive, leather, and tree bark. Black fruit emerges at mid-point: plum and blackberry so deep, dotted with pepper. Texturally complex with walnut skin tannins and a muscle-bound, structured finish.

92

Invicta 2023 Red Blend, Sonoma County ($18)

Cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced cherries go far across the palate, with generous strokes of leather, red beets, and toasted cedar. Tons of personality at this price point: plush and round, with a white-peppered mulberry finish.

92

J. Lohr 2023 Los Osos Merlot, Paso Robles ($15)

With 14% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc added in, this palate-pleasing red shows ripe notes of black cherry with dark roast coffee and mocha. Meaty and substantial with a swash of mocha, violets, and toasted croissant.

92

J. Lohr 2023 Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine, Paso Robles ($27)

With 36% Petite Sirah added to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, (and some Malec and Saint-Macaire), this wine over-delivers in mouthfeel aromas, flavors, and structure for the price. In this expressive vintage, it shows determination, grip, and finesse. The sense of concentration of dried violets, caramel, plum skin tannins, cherry ganache, and minerality exhibit complexity and stamina.

93

J. Lohr 2023 South Ridge Syrah, Paso Robles ($27)

With 36% Petite Sirah added to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, (and some Malec and Saint-Macaire), this wine over-delivers in mouthfeel aromas, flavors, and structure for the price. In this expressive vintage, it shows determination, grip, and finesse. The sense of concentration of dried violets, caramel, plum skin tannins, cherry ganache, and minerality exhibit complexity and stamina.

98

J. Lohr Signature 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($100)

This Cab can complete with any on the world stage, its might and prowess uplifted with a sturdy backbone and simultaneously flowing with finesse. It smooths across the palate on a satin-lined sheath. Juicy notes of black currant and cassis liqueur surround deeper expressions of sweet cedar and espresso for a formidable finish.

93

Joel Gott 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($25)

Bright pineapple and key lime pie pop from the glass. A zippy hint of grass, gooseberry, bell pepper and lime surge on the palate. The wine finishes with a pleasant freshness, with no shortage of jasmine and mandarin.