The following wines are being released throughout the United States on September 1.
I’m happy to say that these wines do not present the oak and alcohol issues I found with some of the spring release wines. And pay attention to the Monte Bello — a very special version of that very special wine.
2020 Grenache Blanc Adelaida Vineyard Paso Robles
This wine is light, refreshing, clear, and mineral. The body is medium-weight and the texture is smooth. I’d drink it over the next 5-6 years with seafood, light pastas with a cream sauce, fowl, roast pork, and cheese. 77% Grenache Blanc, 15% Roussanne, 8% Picopoul. Cork closure. 13.0% stated alcohol. 88/B+
2019 Zinfandel Pagani Ranch Sonoma Valley
This is good, typical Sonoma Zinfandel with spiciness, some American oak chocolate and vanilla overtones, a silky texture, and relative elegance. The wine drinks well now and should continue to do so for the rest of the decade. 90% Zinfandel, 6% Petite Sirah, 4% Alicante Bouschet. Cork closure. 14.8% stated alcohol. 87/B
2019 Lytton Springs Dry Creek Valley
A classic Lytton Springs, this wine has spicy, brambly dark fruits, some coffee and chocolate from the American oak, and surprising elegance for Lytton Springs. A touch of heat from the alcohol on the finish, but not enough to spoil the wine. I’d drink it over the next 15+/- years with meat, pasta with tomato sauces, and strong cheeses. 73% Zinfandel, 16% Petite Sirah, 9% Carignane, 2% Mataro. Cork closure. 14.6% stated alcohol. 91/A
2018 Monte Bello Monte Bello Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains
Even in the elite context of Monte Bello wines, this is a notable one. The nose shows the characteristic hot brick aromas. The hot bricks follow in the mouth with cassis and plum fruit, some chocolate and smoke from the American oak, and a rich, dense texture with round tannins. Ideally, one would keep this wine in the cellar a decade and then drink it over the following thirty years, but it can be drunk now if decanted a few hours in advance. 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Cork closure. 13.7% stated alcohol. 96/A+