Wine Reviews

91

Leia Vintners 2025 Rosé, CA ($14)

Vivacious notes of pink grapefruit, rose petals, Rainier cherries, and hibiscus light up the glass. Acidity is bright and allows floral tones to glisten on nose and palate.

92

Lion’s Ridge 2023 Special Reserve Red Blend, Central Coast ($30)

Juicy and bold, with prominent notes of espresso and cassis. A dense line-up of tobacco and Worcestershire complete the cycle, with a bittersweet dark chocolate finish.

93

Lion’s Ridge 2024 Special Reserve Chardonnay, Central Coast ($24)

Sophisticated and polished, with peach nectar, honeysuckle, and vanilla cream. The sweet oak on the finish is dreamy.

94

Lion’s Ridge 2024 Special Reserve Pinot Noir, Central Coast ($29)

Wild cherry, milk chocolate, cranberry, and wilted rose petals cradle high-toned acidity for an ethereal mouthfeel. Well crafted and beautifully balanced.

95

Lombardi 2023 Chardonnay, Baer Vineyard, Russian River Valley ($62)

A sizzle of salinity, piqued by high-toned acidity and freshly-squeezed lemon cause a vibration on the palate. Delicate herbal tones address a meringue-like mouthfeel: feather light versus amplified creaminess.

94

Lucas & Lewellen Estate Vineyards 2020 Cote del Sol Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Barbara Co. ($42)

Muscular and focused, this big red shows structural prowess, with satin-lined tannins. Blackberry, graphite, and espresso take form on the well-developed finish.

91

Matua 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($12)

A persistent, grassy perfume leads to a succulent array of grapefruit and lemon-kissed kiwi. Gardenia plays a role surrounding a Spring garden of chervil, thyme, and lime blossom.

92

Member’s Mark 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($19)

Dusted dark chocolate, tilled soil, and black pepper show muscle and stamina. This is an age-worthy red, with bold tannins and balanced oak and acid.