Wine Reviews

92

Scheid Vineyards 2021 VDR, “Very Dark Red” Proprietary Blend, Monterey County ($25)

Very Dark Red indeed! This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Petite Sirah is opaque in hue, but its shadowed persona unmasks notes of bittersweet dark chocolate, sage, and blackberry licorice. Juicy and glossy; lusciously crafted.

95

Schug 2020 Estate Grown Chardonnay, Carneros $52

With an unctuous mouthfeel, and flavors of apricot nectar, this is world class caliber Chardonnay. Rich with lemon oil, white pepper, and toasted coconut, it displays impeccable balance.

92

Schug 2022 Chardonnay, Carneros ($40)

Aged sur lie for nine months in (25% new) small French oak barrels, this classically styled Chardonnay shows a salty mineral character with melon, MacIntosh apple, marzipan, and lemon oil. Nice mouth feel, with body weight, and accented with crisp acidity.

95

Schug Winery 2019 “Heritage Reserve” Pinot Noir, Club Selection, Sangiacomo Vineyard ($56)

Sultry and delicate, with a veil of earth and just-picked strawberry. Roses, jasmine, and sweet tobacco urge on the lengthy finish, dotted with white-peppered pomegranate.

92

Schug Winery 2020 Estate Grown Pinot Noir, Carneros, Sonoma Cty ($58)

Subtle red fruits, Italian herbs, and rose petals define a delicate nature. Earthy undertones of fallen leaves and cherry skins leave a trace on the juicy finish.

92

Schug Winery 2022 Pinot Noir, Carneros, Sonoma Cty ($42)

Sourced from some of the most prestigious vineyards in Carneros, this French-oak aged red is delicate and silky, with white-peppered raspberry, sweet tobacco, , and tomato leaf. Spiced tobacco leaf and sassafras add to its savory, earthy finish.

94

Sean Minor 2022 Roberts Road Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast ($75)

Serious wow factor! The color looks exactly as it should, pale, yet vibrant red, excellent aromatics both in intensity and breath, red fruits galore, cherry, pomegranate, cranberry, raspberry, bit of cracked pepper and Asian five spice, elegant, refined, sublime, extremely well balanced, immediately appealing, but it improves with aeration, mid weight style, very good extended length. This wine has an excellent tactile impression. 309 cases produced.

93

Sean Minor 2022 Rossi Ranch Grenache, Sonoma Valley ($75)

Medium deep color, beautiful aromatics with very nice breath and intensity, dark cherry, Asian five spice, cracked pepper, savory fruit to no end, with a bit of sandalwood. Solid weight on the palate, no alcohol heat, but rather elegant and refined in style. All indicators show the raw fruit quality was excellent as there is an exuberant purity to this wine. That, coupled with a skilled hand, leads to a superb result. Organically farmed. 106 cases produced.