Virginie BooneWriter at Large
Reviews wines from California.
Contributing Editor Virginie Boone has been with Wine Enthusiast since 2010, and reviews and reports on the wines of Napa and Sonoma for the magazine. Sonoma-based Boone began her writing career in 1997 with Lonely Planet travel guidebooks, contributing to titles on South America, Northern California, France and America’s Deep South. Travel assignments led her to California-focused wine coverage, including regular features for the New York Times regional newspaper Santa Rosa Press Democrat, for which Boone has been a contributing wine writer for several years. She is also the author of Napa Valley and Sonoma: Heart of California Wine Country, and a regular panelist and speaker on wine topics in California and beyond.
Recent Articles and Reviews
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California's West Sonoma Coast Earns its Own AVA September 2, 2022 What some have long called the “true” Sonoma Coast finally gets its due. Learn about… -
Amid Smoke and Climate Change, Napa Embraces an Imperfect Red Grape August 25, 2022 Although it's a challenging variety, Petit Verdot is fast becoming the darling grape of Napa… -
Change in Napa Valley Restores Hope for Small Family Farms June 28, 2022 Small winemakers struggle to coexist with larger estates. Here’s how Napa is working to save… -
A Tribute to Sean Thackrey, A California Wine Legend June 2, 2022 California winemaker Sean Thackrey died of heart failure in May 2022. Explore his legacy in…
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Modus Operandi 2019 Vicarious Red (Napa Valley) This blend is supple, simple and approachable, with fruity red berry and cherry and richer… 89 Points $55
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La Prenda 2018 Pickberry Vineyard Red (Sonoma Mountain) Supple tannins support a full-bodied layering of blueberry, smoky char and barbecue meat in this… 88 Points $50
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Upshot 2019 Red (Sonoma County) This is a likable, friendly blend of 32% Malbec, 32% Zinfandel, 25% Merlot, 6% Petit… 88 Points N/A
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Robert Young 2018 Thomas Meek Cabernet Sauvignon (Alexander Valley) Made in small amounts, this bold, boisterous red is well-structured and layered in menthol and… 88 Points $99