Wine Reviews

90

Smoking Loon 2022 Steelbird Unoaked Chardonnay, California ($10)

Weighty and succulent, with tropical fruit, leesy buttered popcorn, and ample acidity to keep it fresh.

91

Spellbound 2021 Petite Sirah, California ($15)

A bouquet of berry preserves and fresh cut flowers with a soupçon of toast. The palate is taught with a surprising herbal lift and raspberry finish. Quaffable and charming, the flavors are focused and refreshing.

91

Tooth and Nail 2022 Squad Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($23)

Very good depth of color, full extension to the edge of the glass, immediately appealing, with expressive black fruit, espresso, dark chocolate, dark plum, savory spice and smoke oak notes,. Full, round, weighty on the palate, yet balanced. The fruit is ripe, but not jammy. Long, smooth palate with pleasant well integrated oak notes. A wine that will have very broad appeal. Ten months aged in French oak, 25% new oak.

96

Tr3smano 2019, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($75)

A captivating 100% Tempranillo, with a dramatic entry of ripe boysenberry, black coffee, cocoa, and soil-driven minerality. Juicy and fresh.

92

Trione 201 Flatridge Ranch Zinfandel, Sonoma Coast ($40)

Deep, dense core, with bold, expressive aromas of dark roast coffee, black fruit, cracked pepper, and exotic spice. Elegant presence on the palate: weighty, balanced, concentrated, and well structured. Fermented in open top tanks and aged 15 months in American oak.

90

Trione 2023 River Road Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley ($28)

Pale, youthful appearance with a slight green tinge. Exuberant and bright, with lively aromatics of citrus, passionfruit, guava, dill, and tarragon. Lifted and refreshing on the palate, with fine acidity. Excellent precision with pure primary fruit notes, crisp acidity, bolstered by nice length on the finish. Cool fermented in stainless steel to maintain the vibrant character.

92

VDR 2021 ‘Very Dark Red’ Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($27)

Sultry, with ample structure and concentrated weight, its entry of chocolate-covered cherries is seductive. Boysenberry pie, vanilla, and hazelnut notes and round, supple tannins emphasize its rich character.

94

Viña Pedrosa 2019 La Navilla, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($55)

Dried violets are refreshed by juicy black cherry and deeply expressive dark chocolate. Rocky slate and roasted coffee bean march with sleek tannins. Well-built and delicious.