GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Barkan Vineyards 2023 Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon, Galilee, Israel ($35)

A muscular, athletic red with notes of cigar leaf, soy sauce, cassis, and leather. Well-built and beautifully balanced with supple tannins and a long finish.

92

Barkan-W 2023 Chardonnay, Galilee, Israel ($15)

Fruit is sourced from elevations up to 2,200 feet. Lean and lively with lemon wedge, hazelnut, and peach blossom. Although it possesses a leesy mouthfeel, acidity is high-toned, refreshing with each sip.

94

Barrel Oak 2023 Cabernet Franc, Middleburg, Virginia ($35)

Lavender and blueberries offer a broad and juicy profile, with bright acidity. Sleek and clean with underlying Italian herbs and a whisper of savory earth.

93

Barrel Oak Winery 2022 Chocolate Lab, Virginia ($30)

This well-crafted dessert wine is primarily made from the Chambourcin grape, with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Cab Franc. At 18.5% abv it comes across much like a Ruby Port, rich and fruity, with subtle notes of cinnamon. Infused with cocoa beans, it is aged for 20 months in Bourbon barrels. Dark chocolate cherries and a hint of coffee are pleasant, and there is no cloying sweetness on the finish – well-balanced.

93

Barrel Oak Winery 2023 Meritage, Middleburg, Virginia ($35)

A luxurious Bordeaux-style blend, with white-peppered cassis, plum liqueur, and finely worked tannins. Dried herbs appear mid-palate, sweetened by rhubarb and red tea.

93

Barrel Oak Winery 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Middleburg, Virginia ($29)

Bright and creamy, with Mandarin orange, elderflower, and thyme. Salted pear and peach create a succulent mid-palate charm, with a grapefruit zest finish.

92

Bel Colle 2025 Arneis, Roero DOCG, Piedmont, Italy ($24)

Almonds, apple tart, and lemon blossom sidle with sizzling acidity and a clean, mineral finish.

89

Bishop Pine Vineyards 2024 Chardonnay, California ($12)

This is a notably oaked, vanilla-forward style of Chardonnay. Caramel and vanilla aromatic notes are enhanced by lightly spicy accents, and there’s just enough acidity to keep this balanced through the finish.