GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Hanna 2023 Reserve Nero d ‘Avola, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($60)

In this savory and ripe wine, definitive Old-World acidity appears in stride with bright cherry as California sun shines on its plummy character. Cinnamon and rose petal are detectable on the opulent finish.

94

Hanna 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($24)

Green grass and pink grapefruit are shiny and vibrant, while a zing of green apple is amplified by the wine’s fine acid structure. Lemon sorbet, thyme, lime zest, and pineapple add to its midpalate texture and persistent perfume.

96

Heir Apparent 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($165)

The wine beckons with soulful dark chocolate, blueberry and plum with a layer of freshly grated nutmeg. Aged for 22 months in 60% New French Oak barrels, it has an intoxicating aroma that could only be described as lush. Blanketing the tongue with sumptuous tannins, it is teeming with juicy overripe raspberry, tobacco leaf, and piquant herbs.

94

Heir Apparent 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley ($165)

An intriguing quality of mulled spices emerges alongside suggestions of boysenberry, cigar smoke, cranberry and compost. The round structure and savory grip integrate seamlessly accompanied by the essence of cured meat. There is an engaging slow build with a final flurry of lingering cooking spices, rosemary and pine clusters.

92

Herzog 2023 Lineage Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, CA ($20)

Robust notes of cherry tobacco, red tea, and sweet soil. Balanced acidity, oak, and a supple mouthfeel are proof of its grace and prowess.

94

Herzog 2023 Special Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($48)

Mocha-coated boysenberry, new leather, and licorice add layers of flavors, while suede tannins offer a plush mouthfeel. Cedar and cinnamon guide the long finish.

95

Hilary Goldschmidt 2022 Charming Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley ($55)

Black raspberry jam explodes on the palate, with creamy vanilla cedar, rose petals, and red tea. Fleshy, its layers of dark chocolate, cinnamon cookie and mocha latte add to its weight and reined-in power. Aged for 18 months in 85% new French oak, it demonstrates the bold elegance of Oakville: what a plush beauty.

94

Hispano Suizas 2022 Bassus Pinot Noir, Utiel-Requena, Spain ($57)

Spain is hardly famous for Pinot, but Utiel-Requena is a very high-quality growing region inland from Valencia that make superb wines from multiple varieties. Sourced from a densely planted site and aged in new, 300-liter French oak casks, this hits a beautiful balance point between poise and power. Already delicious and graceful, this will only improve for a full decade.