Wine Reviews

96

Paul Hobbs 2022 Pinot Noir, George Menini Estate, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($95)

Glossy mouthfeel, with sweet and tart cranberry, dried rose petals, and red beets. A brilliant acidity lifts notes of wild strawberry, Rooibos tea, and cinnamon hots. A juicy, spiced finish lingers with a penny royale minerality on the finish.

94

Paul Hobbs 2022 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($80)

High-toned notes of cherry cola, pomegranate, and salted cherries. This electric red possesses a refreshing and zesty exuberance.

97

Paul Hobbs 2022 Pinot Noir, West Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($80)

A rush of sugared beets, pomegranate, vanilla-soaked raspberries, and a touch of salinity get busy on first pass. A treasured soil component shows its sensitivity to its super-cool climate terroir. Power and elegance exist cooperatively in this red, the finish of graphite, peony, basil, and exotic incense.

90

Pomelo 2021 Sauvignon Blanc, California ($14)

Grapefruit-lime notes are bright and sea-breezy. Clean and refreshing with fragrant white floral tones throughout.

92

Portalupi 2021 Charbono, L.Venturi Vineyard, Mendocino County ($65)

Black-purple, inky hue with notes of char and ripe boysenberry. A coating of star anise is anchored by wet earth, black olive, and Italian herbs. A rustic finish, with lingering ripe fruit.

92

Portalupi 2021 Primitivo, Shake Ridge Ranch, Amador County ($42)

The palate instantly absorbs a resplendent array of plum jam, bramble, lavender, and graphite. Mid-palate notes of licorice coat the tongue. Old world acidity and a dot of white pepper add to the tension on the finish.

92

Prescription 2022 Chardonnay, Clarksburg ($20)

A dose of sunshine lights up notes if lemon verbena, with a trace of oregano and sweet basil. A mineral component entices an inner purity and enhances its bright acidity. Finishes with a squeeze of salted lime.

95

pureCru 2018 MC Signature Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($50)

It is a pleasant surprise that this remains available from the 2018 vintage, but no surprise at all that Mitch Cosentino would choose to apply his signature to the wine. A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, 8% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot, it is deeply flavorful and satisfying without seeming heavy or overblown. Red and black fruit tones are nicely interlaced and impressively detailed, showing subtle accents of spices and toast.