Wine Reviews

92

Folie à Deux 2022 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($18)

Intense, woodsy character, with tropical fruit: banana, mango, and pineapple upside down cask. Backed by ample acidity to keep it fresh tasting.

93

Four Graces 2022 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($35)

Sparked with freshness, lines of glossy peach and pear are ignited by white pepper. Juicy, with vivid acidity and a finish of honeysuckle and tangerine.

91

Gehricke 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County ($29)

Steely, with a slick glossing of lemon sorbet. Dry notes of sage, tart apple, and inkling of marzipan lead to a grassy finish.

92

Geyser Peak Winery 2021 Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($30)

The wine has a deep ruby color with aromas of rich black fruits, jam, cassis, and currants, mixed with hints of leather, warm cinnamon and clove spices, and subtle herbal notes of bay leaf and black pepper. On the palate, you can taste the dark fruit flavors with notes of tobacco and chocolate, leading to a smooth and silky finish. An approachable CA Cabernet sourced from two Alexander Valley vineyards.

95

Gloria Ferrer Carneros Cuvée Rosé 2018 Carneros, Sonoma, CA ($95)

By turns demure and assertive, ethereal and expansive, this blend of 55% Pinot Noir and 45% Chardonnay is a complex beauty from any angle. Very pale orange in the glass, with a well-formed mousse, it gently floats aromas of raspberry and wet stone fascinatingly accented by hints of pine and macadamia nut; then, suddenly, it takes charge as the supple, creamy, borderline rich palate sends up more raspberry, citrus marmalade, and yeasty notes. Subtle coffee bean and pickled ginger refresh on the long finish.

94

Gloria Ferrer Royal Cuvée 2016, Carneros, Sonoma, CA ($40)

Mingling with green apple and white peach, crisp scents of fresh salted baguette, lemon sorbet, and white flowers herald this blend of 67% Pinot Noir and 33% Chardonnay, which spends six years on the lees to exhibit delicious tension between succulence and elegance. Acidity loops and swoops with the grace of a bird across a palate dotted with strawberry and orange.

97

Grgich Hills 2021 Paradise Block Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon,Yountville ($295)

An achievement of structure, texture, fruit, and acid. Plum and espresso correspond to blackberry and anise. A diplomatic red that finds true peace on the palate. Paradise is not lost here.

97

Grgich Hills 2022 Miljenko’s Selection Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($70)

A stunner! Lemon freshness with pear blossom and creamed corn are delicate flavors that roam the palate. Gardenia shines through its impeccable acid structure. An enduring elegance with a finish of passionfruit and white tea.