Wine Reviews

91

Omen 2021 Red Blend, Sierra Foothills ($20)

Ripe boysenberry compote and bittersweet dark chocolate leave a dusty coating on the palate. Licorice, clove, and a hint of tobacco season an oak-inspired finish. Well-made and over-delivers for the price.

90

Omen 2022 Chardonnay, Lodi ($18)

Oatmeal, lemon bar, and buttered popcorn star in this oaky white. Ripe banana plays a character role, with an orange peel and cinnamon bow at the finish.

93

Pascal Toso 2020 Alta Malbec Mendoza, Argentina ($15)

Coffee and a slightly smoky tone beckon additional notes of black plum and Worcestershire. Glossy tannins take a slight grip while wet stone and a dusty middle adds to a sensual mouthfeel. An overall great food companion.

91

Pascal Toso 2020 Malbec Mendoza, Argentina ($15)

This estate-grown Malbec displays a beautiful ruby color with intense flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry. It also has notes of coffee, cloves, the smokiness of charred wood, and the pungent spice of black licorice and vanilla.

91

Pascal Toso 2020 Malbec Mendoza, Argentina ($15)

This estate-grown Malbec displays a beautiful ruby color with intense flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry. It also has notes of coffee, cloves, the smokiness of charred wood, and the pungent spice of black licorice and vanilla.

92

Pasqual Toso Brut Rosé Mendoza, Argentina ($13)

This sparkling wine is made from 95% Chardonnay and 5% Malbec. It displays a pale pink color with a hint of salmon. You can detect a wide range of aromas on the nose, including green apple, pear, floral notes like honeysuckle, green melon, strawberry, grapefruit, bread, and a hint of mint. It has a pleasant acidity, a slightly stony taste, and a creamy texture. It is a very lively wine.

98

Paul Hobbs 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley ($130)

The intense purple-black hue is an attention-getter. This astounding red is silky, but manages to eek out teeth-grabbing, dusty, black tea tannins. Graphite, and a host of flavors, including black raspberry, violets, and Worcestershire sends a message of intensity. Earth and soil notes are apparent, with a mineral component within its deep core.

96

Paul Hobbs 2022 Chardonnay, George Menini Estate, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($90)

The George Menini Estate is within the Sebastopol Hills neighborhood in the southwestern side of the Russian River Valley. Cool breezes and morning fog are synonymous with this site. This Chardonnay is measured and balanced, with lemon sorbet, green apple, and a flinty mid-point. Crisp summer pear and candied ginger light up in the glass, sanctioned by its fine acidity.