Wine Reviews

92

Leia Vintners 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, CA ($14)

Bold flavors of chocolate espresso, black currant, leather, tobacco, and cedar band together for an elegant and well-priced red.

91

Leia Vintners 2024 Chardonnay, CA ($14)

A perfume of honeysuckle and lemon verbena mesmerize. It offers a creamy mouthful, dotted with laurel, cinnamon apple, and vanilla.

92

Leia Vintners 2024 Fireside Cabernet Sauvignon, CA ($17)

Plush tannins offer an inviting mouthfeel, followed by flavors of wood spice, black plum, graphite, and dark chocolate. A luxurious, suede-textured red.

91

Leia Vintners 2024 Pinot Grigio, CA ($14)

Salted pear and peanut brittle are subtle but graceful notes. Acidity is well balanced for a refreshing sipper.

93

Leia Vintners 2024 Wavecrest Sauvignon Blanc & Pinot Grigio, CA ($17)

Aromas of peach and lime chiffon lead to crème caramel flan and lemon meringue. A strikingly pretty white blend with honeyed, vivacious floral tones.

96

Lombardi 2023 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Co. ($56)

Aged 10 months in 65% Atelier and Francois Freres barrels, and 35% Stainless Steel Drums, it exudes notes of lemon pound cake, peach, and creamed corn. The wine possesses body plus, but the acidity and tones of thyme and salted wet stone offer a glimpse to a leaner profile that elegantly weaves through the richness.

95

Lombardi 2023 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Co ($72)

Luscious red cherry pie is angled by a spark of salinity and smoothed out by milk chocolate. Juicy, with spiced rose petals blooming and powdering the palate.

94

Lombardi 2023 Pinot Noir, Baer Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($72)

Focused notes of pomegranate dusted with cinnamon, raspberry gelée, and a searing acidity support a graceful and seamless sipper from the Middle Reach neighborhood’s Baer Vineyard. A dot of white pepper sparks sapidity on the finish.