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Lava Cap 2017 Estate Botted Grenache ( El
Dorado ). Generously fruity and smooth in
texture, this full-bodied wine fi lls the mouth with
well-concentrated fl avors of ripe plum and red
cherry that are backed by darker fruits on the fi nish.
Soft tannins and lift ed acidity provide an appetizing
counterpoint to the tasty fruit fl avors. — J.G.
abv: 15% Price: $ 289 0
Lucas & Lewellen 2018 Estate Vineyards Sau-
vignon Blanc ( Santa Barbara County ). Aro-
mas of lime, grapefruit and cut grass meet with a
wet-stone minerality on the nose of this fresh and
lively bottling. The palate is taut in feel, displaying
fl avors of lemon and Granny Smith apple. — M.K.
abv: 13.5% Price: $ 189 0
Oak Farm 2018 Sauvignon Blanc ( Lodi ).
A slightly reserved character helps this
light-bodied, mineral-driven wine stand out from
the pack. Aromas of fl int, dried thyme and a wisp
of lemon lead to ripe pear and Pippin apple fl avors.
Editors’ Choice. — J.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $ 169 0
Oak Farm 2017 Zinfandel ( Lodi ). A salty,
beefy aroma leads to ripe and concentrated
fruit fl avors in this full-bodied, rich and smooth-
textured wine. Hints of black pepper and wood
smoke dress up the blackberry and prune fl avors,
while moderate tannins add a nice bit of grip on the
palate. — J.G.
abv: 15% Price: $ 249 0
Oregon Solidarity 2018 Chardonnay ( Rogue
Va l l e y ). Three wines were produced under
the Oregon Solidarity label, using purchased grapes
abandoned by a California vintner just as harvest
was underway. This wine bursts with fresh apple,
pear and peach aromas. Barrel fermentation has
smoothed any rough edges and polished the fl avors
to a bright sheen. Editors’ Choice. — P.G.
abv: 13.5% Price: $ 209 0
Parvaneh 2017 Petite Sirah ( Paso Robles ).
Aromas of charred black cherry, loamy soil
and purple fl owers show on the dense, thick nose of
this wine. The palate is pleasant yet straightforward
in fl avors of blackberry jam and toast. — M.K.
abv: 13.4% Price: $ 359 0
Robert Oatley 2015 Finisterre Cabernet Sau-
vignon ( Margaret River ). This wine shows a
mix of power and austerity in its mélange of red and
black fruits, sweet pipe tobacco, fl owers, herbs and
spices. Fine-grained tannins off er grip to the plush
palate, lending focus and balance. Pacifi c Highway
Wines & Spirits. — C.P.
abv: 14% Price: $ 359 0
Seghesio 2018 Vermentino ( Russian River
Va l l e y ). This wine is waxy in apple and
lemon fl avors, with an underlying fl oral accent. The
texture takes on a slight creaminess that melds with
its foundation of lively acidity. — V. B.
abv: 13% Price: $ 249 0
Sosie 2016 Spring Hill Vineyard Pinot Noir
( Sonoma Coast ). From a small producer,
this wine shows an undeniable earthiness, pro-
nounced acidity and a plush texture. Notes of black
cherry, strawberry and stemmy forest fl oor meld
on the palate, which off ers pronounced power and
weight. — V. B.
abv: 14% Price: $ 43