Bouchaine, Carneros – Napa Valley (California) Estate Pinot Noir 2022 ($40)

Featuring ripe cherry flavors that morph into fresh plums, like a hint of red Vermouth popping out, this is a quite noteworthy Pinot Noir. It shows good structure with pleasant tannins, and you notice the lovely aftertaste more than the length on the palate. There is a small yet disconcerting hint of harshness in the finish, not enough to mess with the flavors but enough to be noticed if the wine isn’t served with buffering food — or if the dinner conversation is lagging.
91 Roger Morris