The Plain Dealer December 2023

2023 high-end wine price guide: 40-plus reviews of bottles from $26 to $300

The 2020 Vice blend (Cal, $89) is a Super Tuscan ready to drink now, with one of the longest finishes following notes of black and jalapeño pepper, dill, blueberry and blackberry; it’s 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Sangiovese and 25% Malbec and comes with a wax-sealed/dripped bottle. … The 2018 Lion Tamer (Cal, $65) from Napa Valley has cedar, subtle oak, fresh cherry and while it is a beautiful wine – extremely smooth - it could be laid down for a couple more years. … The 2019 Ancient Peaks Oyster Ridge Bordeaux blend (Cal, $60) has vegetal notes of tomato and black licorice flavors with soft tannins and went great with ribs. … The 2021 Rombauer Vineyards Pinot Noir from Santa Lucia Highlands (Cal, $65) was a hearty and smooth Pinot, another great offering from the winery. … The very dry 2018 Rodney Strong Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Cal, $60) had pleasant baking-spice, cranberry and menthol notes and matched well with a filet and grilled potatoes (it also improved with air, so decant and swirl this one). … The 2021 Violet Vines Andrew Block Single Clone 115 (Ore, $60) is a beautiful wine with soft cherry notes, slight coffee and worth savoring in every sip. (Read more: NE Ohio couple opens boutique winery in heart of Pinot Noir country).