GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

90

Substance 2024 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Columbia Valley, WA ($17)

A light and lively, red-fruited pink sipper grounded by a subtle earthiness. Tart cherry blends with cocoa to help express Columbia Valley soil.

96

Tablas Creek Vineyard 2023 Esprit de Tablas, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($75)

The winery’s flagship blend of Mourvèdre, Syrah, Grenache and some Cinsault, Vaccarèse, and Counoise, propagated from budwood cuttings from the Château de Beaucastel estate in the Rhône Valley. Chocolate cherries steeped in red tea is a first impression of this stunner. Beef broth has a line of salty chalkiness running through, obliging the juicy liquid to perform gracefully. Fennel, sage, Bay leaves, and basil take on the role of California garrigue, with a finish of spiced plum.

94

Tablas Creek Vineyard 2023 Mourvèdre, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($55)

Balanced and meaty, with herbal tones weaving into roasted coffee, garrigue, and dark red fruit. An expressive, brooding red, with cedar and black plum on mid-palate. Notes of slate, saddle leather, and dark chocolate develop on the long finish.

95

Tablas Creek Vineyard 2023 Syrah, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($55)

Reminiscent of a Northern Rhône style, this beefy red exhibits muscular tannins, but remains poised and focused throughout. Chalky, with a whisper of cured meats and anise. Espresso, sage, and black plum make for a savory and indulgent red.

93

Tablas Creek Vineyard 2024 “Alouette” Grenache, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($35)

In its second vintage, this light-crimson hued Grenache almost comes across visually as a rosé. Mineral tones preside over flavors of watermelon and cranberry. Pink peppercorns and sweet basil are framed by a bolt of acidity.

93

Tablas Creek Vineyard 2024 Côtes de Tablas Blanc, Adelaida District, Paso Robles ($40)

A blend of five estate-grown varieties: Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Picardan, and Clairette Blanche. Creamy, with clove-spiced peach tart. Pecan, tapioca pudding, anise, and lemon verbena converge over chalky minerality. Complex and clean.

94

Tablas Creek Vineyard 2024 Patelin de Tablas Blanc, Paso Robles ($30)

A blend of 40% Grenache Blanc, 29% Viognier, 10% Vermentino with some Roussanne, Marsanne, and Picpoul Blanc. Creamy, with notes of bread dough, hazelnut, melon, tangerine peel, and honeysuckle. Thyme and sage, with a hint of white pepper weaves through peach pie. Crisp and floral.

92

Tangent 2024 Pinot Gris, Central Coast ($15)

Lively and crisp, with apricot sorbet, lemon blossom, and a mineral tonality. Acidity continues to spark life into it, with a fresh, perky finish.