GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Alverdi 2024 Organic Pinot Grigio, Italy ($11)

The nose sings with hints of sweet peach sprinkled with cinnamon. Lively and bright, you can taste the sunshine beaming from the glass. Candied apricot and pomme fruit marry agreeably with fresh florals, with a finish that hums like a tuning fork.

90

Âme du Vin 2024, Côtes de Provence, France ($21)

The wine delivers vibrant fruit in the form of strawberries and cherries from the outset. There is a brightness on the palate, with a racy citrus alongside a touch of pear and lime and a lithe, energetic freshness.

94

Ancient Peaks 2021 Oyster Ridge Red Blend, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles ($60)

Made from Bordeaux varieties, this wine is jam-packed with notes of strawberry preserves, cassis and licorice. The texture is chewy and dense, complemented with hints of jerky, blackberry and sandalwood. Each lot was aged for 22 months in 80% French oak for a final blend that is full of character, wildly drinkable and dare we say…fun!

94

Ancient Peaks 2021 Pearl Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles ($72)

With both red Cabernet grapes on display, notes of sarsaparilla, luxardo cherries and a touch of tobacco leaf emanate from the glass. To the taste the tannins are stately and rich with a persistent grip. The final flurry of flavors is a balanced attack of cedar, bramble fruit and coffee.

94

Andis Wines 2023 Cabernet Franc, Sierra Foothills ($40)

Grown in high altitude vineyards on volcanic soils, and aged 16 months in (80% used) French oak. Succulent notes of plum, violets, and mountain spice impact the palate with finely grained tannins. Black olive and a defined minerality are teamed with a zip of acidity. Juicy and focused, with chocolate sandalwood on the finish.

92

Angels & Cowboys 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, CA ($20)

Expressive from the start, opulent aromas of black currants, morello cherries, savory cedar and mocha materialize on the nose with an undercurrent of petrichor. Red fruits are on full display to the taste, with bramblefruit, red plums and fresh strawberries. Defined by its quaffability, the edges are round and the tannins are silky.

92

Angels & Cowboys 2022 Proprietary Red, Sonoma Coumty ($20)

An inviting bouquet entices with succulent berries, rose petals, rosemary and a hint of mint. The palate is decadent, bursting with fruit and a supple, caressing mouthfeel with ample tannins.

93

As One Cru 2022 Paicines Project Cabernet Sauvignon, Paicines AVA, San Benito County ($30)

Elegant, with a high-toned appeal of acidity that brightens notes of black fruit. Perfectly ripe, thanks to the warm San Benito sunshine. Aged in barrels for 20 months, with a sensational expression of cinnamon-cedar on the finish.