Buying Guide Labels
97 Roar 2017 Sierra Mar Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands). Rich and ripe in aromas of red cherry, caramel and oak, this bottling is made elegant and complex from the crushed slate and stony qualities that thrive throughout. A concentrated Bing cherry flavor rings on the bone-dry palate, lifted by mint and more chiseled stone. This is amazingly ripe and delicious, yet hewn with impressive minerality. Editors’ Choice.—M.K.
abv: 14.8% Price: $58
96 Austin Hope 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon (Paso Robles). This bottling is dark in the glass and extremely lavish, with silky aromas of cassis, black cherry and caramel. The palate combines blackberry mousse, mocha and more caramel with a firm tannic structure and buoyant acidity. Editors’ Choice. —M.K.
abv: 15% Price: $50
96 Caraccioli 2016 Escolle Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands). There’s a tremendous herbal array on the nose of this superb wine, as bay leaf and peppercorn lead into more rugged aromas of singed fur, game and mulberry jam. That animalistic character extends to the palate, where it meets with snappy black raspberry, roasted cocoa and cappuccino flavors, all leveled by piney herbs. Editors’ Choice. —M.K.
abv: 13.5% Price: $50
96 Freeman 2016 Gloria Estate Pinot Noir (Green Valley). This gorgeous wine shows an expressive wild-cherry aroma, a vibrant and pure black-cherry flavor and a firm, fine-grained texture for an enticing mouthfeel. Touches of mineral and iron in the aroma, and hints of rhubarb and forest floor in the flavor give it exciting breadth and complexity. Best after 2023. Cellar Selection. —J.G.
abv: 13.7% Price: $68
96 Roar 2017 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands). Aromas of mulberry, red cherry, cracked pepper, wild thyme and an earthy richness show on the dynamic nose of this bottling by the Franscioni family. There is a great bounce to the palate, with tart strawberry and plum flavors that mesh with accents of tangerine rind, marjoram and dried sage. Editors’ Choice. —M.K.
abv: 14.8% Price: $58
96 Westwood 2016 Legend (Sonoma Valley). This red is brightly layered in fresh blue fruit, meat and garrigue, showing plenty of density and complexity. It has a wild character that’s intriguing and energetic, with lasting threads of white and black pepper on the finish. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.
abv: 14.8% Price: $55
95 Donum 2016 Year of the Monkey West Slope Single Vineyard Pinot Noir (Carneros). This is an energetic red that buzzes in flavors of cranberry, pomegranate and grapefruit steeped in black tea and dried herbs. The acidity is forceful and persistent, giving the wine a sense of completion and vibrancy. —V.B.
abv: 14.7% Price: $120
95 Dutton-Goldfield 2015 Cherry Ridge Vineyard Syrah (Russian River Valley). This is an impressive wine from a site just north of the Petaluma Gap in a relatively warm spot, just temperate enough to ripen the variety. It is rich and concentrated yet fully in balance, with persistent acidity that beautifully brightens the brooding black fruit, baking spice and white pepper flavors. Editors’ Choice. —V.B.
abv: 13.8% Price: $50
95 Far Niente 2016 Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon (Oakville). Sourced from the Martin Stelling Vineyard behind the winery, this is classic Napa and a gorgeous celebration of the variety. Blended with 3% Petit Verdot, it offers notes of red fruit, turned earth, graphite and anise, with a light toasting of oak to balance. It finishes lush and succulent in feel. —V.B.
abv: 14.3% Price: $185
95 Pali 2016 Pali Vineyard Estate Reserve Estate Grown Pinot Noir (Sta. Rita Hills). Aromas of candied black cherry, vanilla, crushed slate and red flowers make for a plump yet intensely focused nose. The palate’s boysenberry and black cherry flavors are enhanced by accents of sarsaparilla, gamy funk and clove. —M.K.
abv: 15.2% Price: $89
The black cherry aroma
