Wine Reviews

92

Goose Ridge Vineyards 2022 G3 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA ($16)

Velvet-lined tannins and a dollop of creamy boysenberry set the stage for a most approachable Cab. Baking spices add character, with a tongue-coating finish of licorice and black plum.

92

Goose Ridge Vineyards 2022 G3 Merlot, Columbia Valley, WA ($16)

A bruiser Merlot with bold notes of espresso, cigar leaf, graphite, and dark chocolate plum. However, suede tannins even out its broad shoulders, leaving a refined red with a lengthy finish.

94

Grand Napa Vineyards 2023 Pinot Noir, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($70)

The first sip is pure satin, the edges are rounded and the fruit is supple and ripe. The flavors are boundless, with cedar, cranberry, plum and strawberry riding a pillow of vanilla clutching a blanket of rhubarb. There’s mystery and intrigue with notes emerging and expanding at every swirl and every swish. Black pepper and aloe and blood orange offer a final flourish.

94

Grand Napa Vineyards 2024 Chardonnay, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($60)

The fullness of benevolent tension is center stage. A touch of spun honey drips from the notes of fresh apples skins, yuzu and tangy meringue. A touch of peach and a touch of honeysuckle tease. A holistic wine that is expertly crafted, the disparate tastes coalesce for an experience that is greater than the sum of its parts.

91

Harken 2024 Barrel-Fermented Chardonnay, CA ($15)

Buttery! Oaky! True to its style, with white-peppered caramel and lemon curd. Ample acidity maintains liveliness.

90

Hayes Ranch 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, CA ($10)

Sweet vanilla oak, tilled soil, ripe plum, and rhubarb gleam with a persistent perfume and flavor profile. Violets and dark chocolate get chummy from mid-palate to the lengthy, silky finish.

90

Hayes Ranch 2022 Merlot, CA ($10)

Sage and mint complement dark plum and milk chocolate, creating a juicy framework, resulting in a delicious and well-balanced red.

90

Hayes Ranch 2022 Pinot Noir, California ($10)

Terrific value here: bright cherry, with earthy undertones romance the palate. There’s a lot of personality here, with fine acid structure and a generous amount of vanilla-kissed red fruit.