Wine Reviews

94

Ten to Life 2024 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($25)

Sleek and edgy with salty minerality and an abundance of vibrant honeyed notes: apples, gardenia, and Mandarin oranges, with a flowing, searing acidity.

93

Ten to Life 2024 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($30)

Earthy and intense, with tobacco, coffee beans, and barrel oak notes. The mouthfeel is suede-like, with mid-point flavors of wild strawberry and black tea. An indulgent sipper.

94

Tenuta di Fessina 2022 “Erse” Etna Rosso D.O.C., Sicily, Italy ($27)

This Nerello Mascalese shows striking minerality and an herb garden of basil, white pepper, and oregano. A flood of juicy cherries and blackberries match up with subtle notes of rose petals and clove. Tannins are seductively edgy and sidle up with a vivid acid structure.

93

Textbook 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($21)

An outstanding white, with bright aromas of salted lime and vanilla bean. Juicy melon, mango, and honeycomb flood the palate offering a sensual, leesy mouthfeel, while acidity is its shining star. Fermented in stainless steel, with additional barrel fermentation in neutral French oak.

92

The 75 Wine Co. 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendocino ($20)

Redolent of cotton candy, sage, red plum and a hint of potpourri, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers a kaleidoscope of flavors. A floral mid-palate segues into a denouement of black currant crumble and cherry cola. Aged in both neutral French oak and stainless steel, the mouthfeel is polished and the tannic grip has a pleasing, resinous texture.

92

The Guardian by Caliveda 2023 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($35)

Brambly and juicy, with dark cherry, tobacco, and milk chocolate. White-peppered pomegranate surges on mid-palate, ramping up its long, savory finish.

93

The Introvert 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, CA ($15)

Teeth-grabbing tannins and a dusty mouthfeel relay a complex, layered red for a price that certainly over-delivers. Espresso and graphite unite with black currant and black forest cake. Upright and athletic.

91

The Introvert 2023 Reserve Red Blend, CA ($17)

Blackberry, graphite, and cigar leaf indicate a big, bold red. Its concentrated profile is reined in by sturdy but elegant, drying tannins.