Wine Reviews

96

Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2021 Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($75)

This terrific Cabernet Sauvignon includes 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, showing the virtues of the great 2021 vintage in an age-worthy form with abundant oak accents. Baking spice aromas gets it off to a great start, followed by flavors of blackberries and Bing cherries that contribute brightness to rich and deeply flavored red.

95

Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($75)

Of the two outstanding 2021 Cabernets from Hawk and Horse, this bottling was aged in 80% new French Oak barrels rather than 100% for the “Block Three.” It is more open, fruity, and better suited to immediate enjoyment, though it is still robust, thanks in part to 10% Petit Verdot. Biodynamically grown at elevations up to 2,200 feet, it offers admirable complexity and excellent balance between flavor impact and accessibility.

92

Head High 2023 Pinot Noir,Sonoma County ($26)

Medium deep red color with some fade at the edge of the glass. Wonderfully pure and expressive aroma of red raspberry, ripe strawberry, cranberry, and pomegranate with a slightly herbal note that brings a welcomed broadened range to the wine. Nice carry through of the aromatic notes to the palate, nuanced, layered and a supremely smooth finish. Elegant and refined.

98

Il Poggione 2019 Brunello di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy ($100)

Seductive perfume of roses washed in mulberry, is mirrored on first sip. Piquant notes of cinnamon-pomegranate and exotic floral tones of jasmine and tea leaves surround blueberry ganache. Silky and graceful, the alluring floral and berry fruit tones are memorable.

93

Il Poggione 2022 Rosso di Montalcino DOC, Tuscany ($31)

Bright, perky acidity with Morello cherries, oregano, balsamic, and red tea. Sleek mouthfeel, lively, and elegant. Finishes with wild strawberry and spiced rose petals.

91

It’s a HeadSnapper 2022 Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie D.O.C., Italy ($10)

Peaches and pineapple perfume the glass. Light and airy, with gem-toned citrus and a keen acidity. Stone fruit is juicy and satisfies with a perky finish.

91

It’s a HeadSnapper 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($10)

An herb garden of dill, thyme, and basil lights up notes of kiwi and lime. Aromatically bright and expressive. Salty lime stimulates the palate, for a refreshing, tart finish.

90

It’s a HeadSnapper Extra Dry Prosecco D.O.C., Italy ($10)

Bubbles are dainty and release notes of Baby’s Breath, melon, and papaya. Light and clean, with mineral tones amped by lemon drops and fresh linen.