Wine Reviews

94

Lombardi 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($62)

Aromas get down to the ground with wild strawberries pulled from the soil. An abundance of juicy red berries and jasmine flavors the palate. Red licorice and cinnamon apple sweeten on the luxe finish.

95

Lorenzi 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon,Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley ($95)

Bold and rich with a dynamic cape of suede and firm tannins strutting their stuff. Dusted cocoa, smashed black cherry and cassis raise up at mid-palate, followed by a savory finish of cedar, white pepper, and cigar leaf.

93

Lorenzi Estate 2021 Il Sogno, South Coast AVA, CA ($95)

This blend of 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 1% Sangiovese was aged 36 months in 100% new French oak. Still tasting youthful, this edgy red is tense and concentrated, with grippy tannins. Flinty and broad, with crushed blackberries, walnuts, and black tea.

93

Lorenzi Estate 2021 Il Sogno, South Coast AVA, CA ($95)

This blend of 54% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, and 1% Sangiovese was aged 36 months in 100% new French oak. Still tasting youthful, this edgy red is tense and concentrated, with grippy tannins. Flinty and broad, with crushed blackberries, walnuts, and black tea.

90

Luna Chiara 2024 Pinot Grigio, Valdadige DOC, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy ($11)

Powdered lemon-vanilla, peaches, and crisp apple, with a mineral base, this light-bodied white shows its delicate nature.

93

Maison Sonoma 2024 Cuvée Reserve Chardonnay, Sonoma County ($24)

Ripe, mouth-filling notes of pear and peach, with MacIntosh apple and a finish of vanilla-spiced sandalwood.

92

Maison Sonoma 2024 Cuvée Reserve Pinot Noir, Sonoma County ($25)

A bold style, with heady notes of cigar leaf, mushroom, rhubarb, and espresso. Mid-palate, black cherry softens and sweetens, the wine evolving with a lengthy finish.

89

Matte 2022 Pinot Noir, CA ($15)

Juicy, with ample acidity to carry its expressive flavors of cigar leaf, espresso, and black plum.