Wine Reviews

95

Louis Jadot 2018 Les Avaux, Beaune Premier Cru, Bourgogne, France ($70)

A wispy perfume of cranberry hangs in the air, while white-peppered blackberry and a graphite sleekness attaches to the palate. Roasted coffee ads savory tones, its subtle earthy persona persistent.

93

Louis Jadot 2021 Les Avaux, Beaune Premier Cru, Bourgogne, France ($70)

Spiced mulberry and forest floor offer a path to a streamlined mouthfeel. Earth tones shine, amped by a searing acidity. Clove and wild strawberry are accentuated on a mineral platform.

95

Louis Jadot 2022 Les Avaux, Beaune Premier Cru, Bourgogne, France ($70)

Aromas of clove and pomegranate are impressive. This is a bright, shiny penny, with notes of iron, red tea, Italian herbs, and bright strawberry. Tension on the palate highlights its taut acidity, leaning to a dry, elegant finish.

96

Louis Jadot 2023 Les Avaux, Beaune Premier Cru, Bourgogne, France ($70)

Plum blossom and vanilla perfume radiates and leads to a stony accented entry. The liquid offers a serene, gentle mouthfeel, focused with bright cherry and cherry pith. Dried heather adds texture while readying the palate for a sleek finish.

94

Lucia by Pisoni 2023 Chardonnay, Sobranes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County ($55)

Jeff and Mark Pisoni’s efforts here show well with this startlingly lovely Chardonnay. Gem-like mineral tones clean the palate, while lemons soaked in vanilla flavor it. Gardenia and a zip of ginger are precious notes on the finish.

95

Luis Alegre 2019 Finca La Reñana, Rioja, Spain ($70)

Crafted from old vine Tempranillo and some Graciano, this majestic red offers up aromas of chocolate cedar and blackberry. Sultry and dusky, with firm tannins and an enthusiastic character, it’s woodsy and savory, earthy, and austere. Graphite and soy sauce flavors its rich profile with a broad and well-developed finish.

93

Luis Negre 2019 Parcela N.5, Rioja, Spain ($45)

Tempranillo grapes grown in rich limestone soils reverberate with majestic aromas of sweet earth and boysenberry. Intriguing flavors of toasty cedar, dark chocolate espresso beans, and a foundation of graphite are engaging. Beautifully structured, with gliding tannins and a rustic, earthy charm.

91

Maria Bonita 2022 Loureiro, Vinho Verde, Portugal ($16)

A delicate sheath of white flowers, lemon verbena claims the palate. Racy acidity, with herbaceous tones of vetiver meld with an underlying minerality. Clean finish with a lingering lime zest.