Wine Reviews: Mini Round-Up for April 22, 2024

I taste a bunch-o-wine (technical term for more than most people). So each week, I share some of my wine reviews (mostly from samples) and tasting notes in a “mini-review” format.

They are meant to be quirky, fun, and (mostly) easily-digestible reviews of (mostly) currently available wines (click here for the skinny on how to read them), so you can get right to the point and decide if they’re for you (or not). Cheers!

2019 Casa Ferreirinha ‘Papa Figos’ Tinto (Douro): Well structured and getting straight to the spicy, juicy point. $17 B
2022 Dow’s Vale do Bomfim Branco (Douro): Bright citrus, bright mouthfeel, and a bright choice for bright people. $15 B
2023 Lucy Wines ‘Pico Blanco’ (Monterey County): Like a very richly adorned Alsatian showing up in Nor Cal and hitting it off with the locals. $26 B+
2023 Lucy Wines Gamay Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands): Tangy, food-friendly, red-fruited goodness. Where has this been all of my life?!?? $30 A-
2023 Lucy Wines Rose of Pinot Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands): Strawberry and cranberry, with roses, all dressed up pretty. Long AF too! $25 B+
2021 Cameron Hughes Lot 934 Chardonnay (Sonoma County): A strong character that’s an even stronger bargain. $16 B+
2021 Cameron Hughes Lot 924 Petite Sirah (Dry Creek Valley): Nothing small about this spicy, meaty PS incarnation. Bring your steaks. $NA B+
2021 Cameron Hughes Lot 906 Red Blend (Columbia Valley): WA state done in full-throttle, take-no-prisoners mode. $24 A-
2011 Chateau Ste. Michelle Canoe Ridge Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Horse Heaven Hills): A bit soft but otherwise in *great* shape. Plummy, fruit forward, with light herbal, oak, and savory hints, the full monty is on display here. $50 A-
2016 Tabor ‘Mt. Tabor’ Shiraz (Galilee): Crazy stuff, in a good way. Plummy, plush, and redolent with smoked meat action. $19 B+