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Review: 2018 Paul Hobbs Cabernet Sauvignon Coombsville

Drinkhacker

2018 is widely considered the best vintage for Napa cabernet sauvignon since the vaunted 1997 release, which is perhaps why Paul Hobbs was so careful about the timing of this Coombsville bottling, which was kept in the cellar until 2024. If you weren’t convinced of 2018’s greatness, give this wine a try.

Wine 94
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Review: 2018 Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

Drinkhacker

Familia Pasqua’s wines are always exciting, whether you’re sipping on the luxe Mai Dire Mai Amarone or its more affordable Amarone della Valpollicella. For the Valpolicella, we’ve skipped ahead from 2016 to 2018 — note that this release (a DOCG) is different from the Mai Dire Mai release, which is a DOC wine.

Wine 90
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Review: Hoopes 2022 Rose and 2018 Syrah

Drinkhacker

A rose wine made from all of Hoopes’ red varietals. B / $38 2018 Hoopes Sophie’s Block Syrah Oak Knoll District – 86% Syrah, 10% Viognier, 2.5% A- / $60 hoopesvineyard.com The post Review: Hoopes 2022 Rose and 2018 Syrah appeared first on Drinkhacker: The Insider's Guide to Good Drinking.

Bitters 86
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Review: 2018 Larkmead Cabernet Sauvignon “The Lark”

Drinkhacker

Rob recently brought us a glowing review of Larkmead ‘s iconic Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2020 vintage — and now we’re taking a step further up the Napa operation’s lineup with a look at the 2018 bottling of “The Lark,” essentially its reserve to end all reserves.

Wine 98
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Review: Argiano 2018 Brunello di Montalcino and 2021 Non Confunditur

Drinkhacker

Two wines from Argiano, a historic winery in Tuscany’s Montalcino area that dates back to 1580 (as an olive oil producer) and which is, more recently, the first company in the area to become plastic-free. Graphite and anise provide an ample mineral-earthy quality, while the finish of brewed black tea pours on herbaceous notes.

Wine 86
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Review: 2018 Ruffino Chianti Classico Riserva Ducale Oro

Drinkhacker

A classic expression of Tuscany, the wine hits all the highlights and expectations, including bright cherry, jammy plum, and gentle florals to keep the fruit in check. Still drinking on the young side, I could see this wine improving further with another 2 to 3 years in cellar. Some darker cocoa powder and nutmeg notes on the finish.

Wine 91
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Review: Castello di Gabbiano Chianti Classico 2020 Riserva and 2018 Bellezza

Drinkhacker

A- / $22 2018 Castello di Gabbiano “Bellezza” Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG – Richer and considerably more tannic than the Chianti Classico Riserva, this minor bruiser pours on the cherry notes, here dusted in dark chocolate and tempered notes of vanilla. At this price, it’s an excellent value.