Wine Reviews

94

Beau Vigne 2021 Legacy Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($80)

Intense and unforgiving, grabbing the tongue with licorice and underbrush. Suede textured tannins reveal dark chocolate and spiced cedar.

96

Belle Glos 2022 Balade Pinot Noir, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County ($55)

Sumptuous is the key word here, with roasted coffee bean, charcuterie, animale, and black cherry. Elegance enhanced, with a deep reserve of black pepper and walnut.

93

Belle Glos 2022 Glasir Holt Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County ($55)

A beam of sunshine fills the glass. Tangerine and lime blossom are glorious notes, favored by toasty brioche and graham cracker. Mouth filling, opulent, and delicious.

94

Bodegas Bianchi 2019 Particular Cabernet Franc, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($40)

Sage and dried herbs, black cherry and Worcestershire lead the way for this big, bold red. Vanilla beans and a touch of smoke create its inner depth, releasing walnut skin tannins, surrounding a finish of plum and licorice.

94

Boen 2022 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($35)

Deep, penetrating notes of espresso and mocha. Rich red fruit is powered by plush tannins. A generous wash of plum engages with an earthy finish.

92

Boen 2022 Tri-County Pinot Noir, Monterey Co, Santa Barbara Co, Sonoma Co ($25)

Rich color brings forth bright red fruit on the nose: ripe strawberry, raspberry, red plum, a cherry scent bordering on cherry preserves. Also find vanilla, cinnamon, white pepper, and dried thyme. Cooked fruit/jamminess on the palate with a hint of licorice and wet stones lingering on the finish.

93

Bowman Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($48)

Dark cherry, tobacco, sandalwood, and red plum leaving a lasting first impression. Penetrating earthiness prevails on mid-point with a layer of musk and wild strawberry. Packs a wallop of flavor; enjoyable and delicious.

91

Bread and Butter 2022 Reserve Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($25)

Red fruit flavors like cherry and red currant with vibrant spices like cloves, white pepper, licorice, vanilla, and smoke. Ripe red fruit on the palate with charred wood, coconut, and coffee finish.