Wine Reviews

94

Daou 2021 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($60)

Aromas of ripe black cherry, dark chocolate, and cedar lead to an athletic, full-bodied red. Sinewy and muscular, with finely grained tannins. Blackberry and black currant are layered with vanilla and graphite. It shows vigor and stands tall, flexing its might with pure grace.

93

Daou 2023 Chardonnay, Paso Robles ($20)

Lit from within are bright notes of star fruit, lemon bar, honeysuckle, and green apple. Top notes of creamy meringue are layered on a mineral foundation for a lengthy, complex finish.

95

Domaine Carneros 2021 Estate Pinot Noir, Carneros ($47)

Some 20 different clones went into this marvelously moody Pinot Noir, which immediately spirits you to a forest teeming with berries, a plume of woodsmoke in the background along with flickers of beet and lavender. Displaying a fleshiness commensurate with its elegance, it enchants amid earthy tannins and a sprinkle of cacao and black tea on the finish.

94

Domaine Lumineux 2021 Cuvée Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($48)

This is Francis Ford Coppola’s Dundee Hills project and a real attention getter. Bright mocha cherry in tilled soil settles on the palate, amped by a focused acidity and silky tannins. Pomegranate, red beets, and a stony middle create a texturized mouthfeel. Luscious and delicious with an exotic sandalwood and plum blossom finish.

96

Domaine Lumineux 2021 Reserve Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($78)

Jory soils bring out an earthy, flinty tonality to this full-bodied red. Silky and fresh, with plum, cinnamon cola and Italian herbs. Weighty, with a plump mouthfeel; it is a desirably elegant Pinot Noir and not surprising that it’s Francis Ford Coppola’s venture in the Dundee Hills.

89

Donati Family 2022 “Sisters Forever” Unoaked Chardonnay, Central Coast, CA ($17)

Pale, youthful color, fresh and bright, with lifted primary fruit aromas of tangerine, white cherry, and Key lime. Taut, bright acidity, lively on the palate. Refreshingly appealing for simplicity and clarity of fruit character. Serve well chilled. Made entirely in stainless steel.

91

G3 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Goose Ridge Vineyards, Columbia Valley, WA ($16)

With a grip on the palate, this red speaks of toasted oak, coffee, and blackberry bramble. Nutmeg and cocoa powder enter mid-way for a textural, dusty finish.

90

G3 2022 Chardonnay, Goose Ridge Vineyards, Columbia Valley, WA ($16)

This impactful white bristles with lemon zest. Framed in chamomile and stony minerality.