Wine Reviews

94

Lloyd by Robert Lloyd 2023 Chardonnay, Carneros, Napa Valley ($42)

An extroverted Chardonnay that boasts of toasted oak, salted hazelnut, and Golden yellow apples. Creamy butterscotch mid-palate, soothed by amped up acidity.

95

Lorenzi 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($135)

With the addition of some Merlot and Petit Verdot, this is a 28-month, 100% French-oaked aged Cabernet Sauvignon with chewy, but approachable suede tannins. Dusted with cocoa and blueberry. The wine comes on like a heavyweight, but broadens across the palate, reining in its powerful message. A sprinkle of white pepper, graphite, licorice, and soy sauce drench the palate on the finish.

95

Lorenzi Estate 2018 Double Down Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Temecula Valley ($135)

Aged for five years in 100% French oak ought to have tamed this red, but massive tannins manage to take hold of teeth and tongue, with dramatic flavors of dark chocolate fudge, tobacco, slate, and black currant ganache. Empowered by a wave of luxury, the wine progresses to an architectural form, with the dimension and backbone of a towering skyscraper.

93

Loveblock 2023 Pinot Gris, Marlborough, New Zealand ($33)

Tart lime, salty minerality and elderflower shine. Zesty acidity expands across the palate, accenting melon and meringue.

93

Loveblock 2023 Tee Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($33)

Eliminating sulphur from the wine, the folks at Loveblock instead extract tannins from green tea leaves, which provides protection against oxidation and spoilage. Mouth-filling, unctuous notes of kiwi, marzipan, green tea, pineapple, and summer peach are evident. Racy acidity sparks through its richer profile, with a touch of lemon verbena and sweet basil on the finish.

92

Medalla Real Gold Medal 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, D.O. Maipo Valley, Chile ($20)

Black cherries covered in dusty cocoa and adorned with violets and espresso stream across the palate. Vivid notes of anise and sandalwood are bolstered by a mineral quality that offers a graceful, sleek texture.

93

Morgan 2023 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands ($39)

Over 12 clones were chosen for this nine-month, French oak aged Pinot Noir. Wild strawberry, and Luxardo cherry-cola meet cute in this savory, light-hearted red. Prized with sweet tobacco, red licorice, and a searing acidity, notes of Italian herbs accelerate on mid-palate, finishing with dark plum and exotically spiced flowers.

90

Murphy-Goode 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($18)

Generously juicy and flavorful, this fruit-forward Cabernet shows quite deep color for its price category as well as substantial palate weight. There’s just enough tannic grip to let this stand up to moderately robust food, but natural fruit sweetness makes this a Cab that can easily be enjoyed as a cocktail-style sipper.