Wine Reviews

94

Herdade de Sao Miguel 2020 Reserva, Alentejano, Portugal ($38)

A dynamic blend of Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira, Touriga Nacional, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 12 months in 400-liter oak and six months in 5,000-liter oak foudres. Dark chocolate and espresso wash over the palate with ease. Well-structured yet graceful, this gymnast offers slate and loose tobacco that wraps around black currant.

94

Honig 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60)

Concentrated, with blackberry jam and melting dark chocolate. Tannins are chewy with a chalky grip. Slate fills the palate, coating the teeth with plum skin and soy sauce. A finish of licorice is tamed by a rush of blue fruit.

93

Honig Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 58% Napa Valley/42% Lake County ($22)

Lean and glassy, grapefruit zest and flint forming a textured partnership. Desirable flavors of pine nuts, chervil, and lemongrass keep it spirited on the tongue, with vivid acidity leading the way.

93

Intercept Sparkling Cremant de Bourgogne, France ($30)

From NFL great turned wine producer Charles Woodson comes this sunny, supple blend of 40% Pinot Noir, 35% Chardonnay, 15% Gamay, and 10% Aligote. Aromas of biscuit, Meyer lemon, jasmine, vanilla, and honey lead to warm flavors of autumn orchard fruit, orange, and nectarine, all bedecked with florals and highlighted by zingy acidity.

94

J. Lohr 2021 Cuvée PAU, Paso Robles ($50)

Cassis and tobacco show power and structure in this blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot. Spiced cedar integrates with violets and bittersweet dark chocolate in a seamless finish.

95

J. Lohr 2021 Cuvée POM, Paso Robles ($50)

The blend of 81% Merlot and 19% Malbec brings plump, juicy boysenberry forward, mingling with violets, truffles, along with plush tannins. Elegant, with earthy base notes and a chalky mineral wash on the finish.

95

J. Lohr 2021 Cuvée ST. E, Paso Robles ($50)

A noble bath of blackberries and cherries soaked in melting dark chocolate. This soulful wine blends 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot and creates a dynamic mouthfeel as it connects with a creamy base of sandalwood.

90

J. Lohr 2023 Bay Mist White Riesling, Arroyo Seco, Monterey ($13)

A light and lively dry style, with a zesty lemon and lychee profile. Juicy, with purity on the palate and an underlying creaminess. There’s an inkling of salty pear on the refreshing finish.