California freshness

Oak Farm Vineyards Albarino 2021

Lodi

The nose is full of ripe fruits, some apricots, green and yellow apples, juicy pear, a touch of herbal and floral nuances. The palate reveals high, zesty, citrusy acidity, an absolutely dry profile, with a pleasant saline touch on the finish.

Score : 14.75+/20 (89/100)

Twomey Sauvignon 2020

North Coast(napa County: 52% / Sonoma County: 48% )

The nose is opulent and tropical, very aromatic, full of ripe fruits like pineapple, passion fruit, yellow apple and a hint of ripe yellow mango. The palate is round, creamy and weighty with elevated acidity which tries to balance well the massive structure and warming alcohol. Powerful, rich, a bit too showy, this wine slides into juicy finish with a refreshing bitter note in the echo.

Score : 15.25/20 (90/100)

Klinker Blick Grenache Blanc 2021

Lodi

The nose is herbal and smoky, revealing notes of melons, green apples and dried herbs. The body is very light, unusual for Grenache, the palate is in general very elegant, dry, with crisp, citrusy plus acidity, good balance, delicate orchard fruit profile with a savoury touch on the finish.

Score : 14.75+/20 (89/100)

Truchard Vineyards Roussanne 2020

Los Carneros, Napa Valley

The nose is smoky, with notes of fresh wood, herbal and herbaceous at the same time, revealing savoury nuances, almost charcuterie tone. The palate is dry, with a lot of volume and texture, mirroring the nose with herbal aromas of garrigue and a touch of honeysuckle. Moderate acidity and a typical Roussanne bitterness on the finish adding to freshness. Score : 15.5+/20 (91/100)

Long Meadow Ranch Pinot Noir Blanc 2019

Anderson Valley

This Blanc de Noirs on the nose reveals slightly oxidative notes of nuts, as well as nutmeg, vanilla and yellow apple. The palate is dry with a creamy, round texture, moderate acidity, some roundness and fat, low intensity of yellow orchard fruits. The finish is dominated by nutty bitterness. An unusual style of wine.

Score : 14+/20 (87/100)

J Lohr wildflower Valdiguie 2021

Arroyo Seco AVA, Monterrey

The nose is intense and flattering with notes of strawberry, raspberry, juicy red cherries and a touch of bubble gum. The palate is juicy with a lot of dried cranberries, goji berries, juicy cherries and wild strawberries. The tannins are soft and mellow. A glou-glou style of wine with refreshing, crunchy, juicy acidity.

Score : 15.25/20 (90/100)

Ridge Geyserville 2020

Alexander Valley AVA

The nose is oaky, offering a lot of density and concentration, notes of red cherries, strawberries and bramble. The palate is dry, with drying, bold, very young tannins that need time to smoothen. Despite the moderate acidity, the wine shows fresh and vivid with a fine elegance and a long, juicy finish.

Score : 16.5/20 (93/100)

Staglin Family Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Rutherford AVA, Napa Valley

The nose is dense, heady, revealing a lot of black fruit aromas, notes of cedar wood, tobacco and coffee. The palate is opulent, rich and bold with powerful, grippy tannins. The massive structure is well-balanced by the moderate but framing acidity. A powerful wine with a long, smoky and spicy finish.

Score : 16.5/20 (93/100)