Wine Reviews

92

The Recipient 2024 Pinot Grigio, Friuli Grave DOC, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy ($13)

Pine nuts, lemon bar, green apple, and seashell mingle with searing acidity. Clean, pure , and stony dry, with an herbal lift.

90

Thievery 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, CA ($12)

Aged 12 months in French oak, the wine is dense and juicy, with super-ripe cherries, blueberries, and milk chocolate. At this price, every sip is a steal.

91

True Myth 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($20)

Focused tension, with a cooling acidity and a bright persona. Tart cherry, tobacco leaf, and mocha go a long way, with a cedar-seasoned finish.

91

Truth & Valor 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles ($50)

Chalky tannins and bold notes of cherry tobacco and espresso dominate, with a lingering mid-palate rush of blackberries and dark chocolate espresso. A finish of spearmint adds to the lingering finish.

94

Tura Estate Winery 2020 Mountain Peak, Judean Hills, Israel ($60)

The blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 11% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc spent 22 months in barrel. Taste the ancient soils, with notes of mocha and dark berries. The mouthfeel is creamy, with round giving tannins.

97

Turnbull 2022 Black Label Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley ($180)

Fruit from Turnbull’s historic vineyards: Fortuna and Leopoldina, bore fruit for this dynamic and limited production “best of the best” from the winery. With 9% Cabernet Franc added to 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, the liquid spent 20 months in barrel with only 15% new oak. With tremendous stage presence, its charm is apparent from the initial sip, a silky, crimson curtain opening to reveal sandalwood soaked in dense boysenberry and black strap molasses. A textural mosaic of earth, dark chocolate, and summer plums offer a passionate finish.

93

Vineyard Block Estate 2023, 515 reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley ($29)

Generous layers of plum, black cherry, and forest floor are pampered with cinnamon and red tea. Elegant, with an extended finish that leaves a dot of white pepper on the palate.

93

Vineyard Block Estate 2024 “818” Special Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Calistoga, Napa Valley ($24)

Grassy flavors fill the mouth, accompanied by grapefruit and lime sorbet. A pretty floral finish of gardenia is lit up by refreshing acidity.