Wine Reviews

92

Hall Ranch 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($16)

Spiced cedar and dusty, dried roses are layered with a foundation of graphite and cinnamon hots. This dynamic Cab holds its own: generous with bountiful fruit and well-integrated, finely grained tannins.

91

Hall Ranch 2022 Red Blend, Paso Robles ($20)

From its black-magenta hue to its rich, ripe, black cherry and chocolate entry, this powerhouse is reined in by exquisite suede-textured tannins.

91

Hall Ranch 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles ($16)

Racy acidity adds zing to under-ripe pineapple and a stark lean texture on the palate. Grassy notes expand, with garden herbs and just-squeezed lime.

94

Hanna 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($44)

This just-released vintage is creamy and lush yet bright with cranberry notes. Acidity shows up to add freshness to its combination of energy and elegance.

95

Hanna 2023 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($31)

The gardenias are almost visible as their perfume blooms from the glass. Melon and just-squeezed orange are as expressive on the palate, morphing into a more floral orange blossom midway. Vanilla custard lends a creamy tone, while salinity and acidity work in tandem for a fresh finish. Spectacular.

94

Hanna 2023 Reserve Nero d ‘Avola, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($60)

In this savory and ripe wine, definitive Old-World acidity appears in stride with bright cherry as California sun shines on its plummy character. Cinnamon and rose petal are detectable on the opulent finish.

94

Hanna 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($24)

Green grass and pink grapefruit are shiny and vibrant, while a zing of green apple is amplified by the wine’s fine acid structure. Lemon sorbet, thyme, lime zest, and pineapple add to its midpalate texture and persistent perfume.

96

Heir Apparent 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($165)

The wine beckons with soulful dark chocolate, blueberry and plum with a layer of freshly grated nutmeg. Aged for 22 months in 60% New French Oak barrels, it has an intoxicating aroma that could only be described as lush. Blanketing the tongue with sumptuous tannins, it is teeming with juicy overripe raspberry, tobacco leaf, and piquant herbs.