Wine Reviews

90

Gundlach Bundschu 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Coast ($32)

Youthful pale yellow, greenish tinge. Sensational lifted primary fruit aromatics. Notes of citrus rind, tangy and bright, with vibrant acidity that keeps it refreshing. Elegant and appealing with good follow through to the back palate.

94

Gust 2022 Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County ($45)

This is a stellar vintage for this wine, sourced from two distinct vineyards within the windy Petaluma Gap AVA. While Diamond Pile Vineyard is exposed to the elements of wind and fog, Catapult Vineyard is sheltered, extracting more structure. Aged 16 months in 45% French oak, notes of just-picked red cherries are sprinkled with white pepper. Candied apple-cinnamon in tilled soil makes a fine mid-palate impression. Red beets, radish, and cranberry bring up the rear for a juicy, elegant finish.

90

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

Immediately inviting and appealing, with a vibrant red color. Medium density, wonderful lifted primary fruit aroma, cranberry, pomegranate, raspberry, with an underlying violet and earthy note. Ample acidity to keep it fresh and focused on the palate with a soft finish. Meant for near term drinking.

93

Il Poggiolo, 2020 Sasso Nero Rosso Toscana IGT, Tuscany, Italy ($30)

This blend strikes an excellent balance between primary fruit notes and ones that are more savory and earthy. Medium-bodied, with both red and black fruit tones, it also shows subtle balsamic notes and undertones of fresh mushrooms and new leather.

96

Illation 2021 by Brandon Gregory Estate, Knights Valley, Sonoma County ($195)

Luscious plum with cocoa and blueberry crumble tempts the senses. The mouthfeel is sensual and satiny, akin to driving an Italian sports car with wood-paneling and leather seats. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, Illation is Indulgent without being overpowering. A delightful decadence of ultra-ripe figs and dates accompanies fresh herbs, spices and sleek tannins for a pleasing and sustained finish.

92

Imagery 2022 Pinot Noir, Monterey County ($23)

Rich and ripe, with boysenberry charm. Mocha-cedar, spearmint, and sweet tobacco are subtle but acidity amps it up with extra vitality. It finishes with a stony mouthfeel and a splash of wild strawberry.

92

J. Lohr 2021 Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine, Paso Robles ($27)

Intense aromas of blackberry liqueur lead to concentrated flavors of dark chocolate cherry. A hint of tension and chalky tannins keep the palate alert and inspired. A lengthy finish holds notes of violets, cassis, and cedar. A blend of 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Petite Sirah, with small percentages of Malbec, Saint Macaire, and Merlot. Aged 18 months in American and Hungarian oak. 9

94

J. Lohr 2022 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($35)

Sourced from three prestigious regions in Paso: El Pomar, Creston, and Adelaida, this flagship wine from the portfolio exhibits a spectacular hue of saturated crimson. It’s a teeth-grabber in its youth, with black cherry, red tea tannins, and soy sauce. Elegant, with reined in power, and a soft, approachable palate feel that offers a nod to Winemakers Steve Peck and Brenden Wood’s understanding of elegant texture.