GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

98

Nickel & Nickel 2023 De Carle Block Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($135)

Sinewy and tense, its dusty raspberry-skin tannins melding with a rich, mineral core. Engaged with dried lavender, jasmine and a hint of iron, the wine boasts a juicy nature, revealing black cherry washing over spiced cedar.

93

Nozzole 2022 Chianti Classico Riserva, Tuscany, Italy ($29)

Showcasing hints of sun-soaked leather, violets, paprika and a touch of char, you are instantly transported to the hills of Tuscany. The mouthfeel is elegant with a radiant warmth and sinewy tannins throughout. The signature tart cherry note accompanies a round, pleasing finish.

96

On Q 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley ($215)

Plush and concentrated, with deep dive notes of blueberry, violets, and black cherry-filled dark chocolate cedar. Beautifully sleek tannins and an elegant mouthfeel.

93

Panther Creek 2023 Winemaker’s Cuvée Pinot Noir, Wilamette Valley, Oregon ($22)

) This is a very well grown and made Pinot Noir, but the fact that it rings up for $22 makes this the single best value among 250+ wines I’ve tasted from Oregon during 2025. The fruit recalls red and black cherries as well as strawberries, with minimal oak but enough grip to let this stand up well with dishes as flavorful as roast chicken.

98

PATEL 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley ($170)

This Coombsville bottling is no more intensely flavorful than the less expensive Napa Valley release from this vintage, but it is notably more complex—which is saying something. Alluring savory and herbal notes are added to a similar core of dark fruit. The combination of concentration, purity, balance, and complexity in this is remarkable.

96

PATEL 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($130)

An outstanding Cabernet from a vintage that was initially underrated, this shows impressively concentrated pigmentation and physical density. It has already absorbed almost all of the overtly woody notes from 100% new French oak and offers impactful blackberry and Bing cherry fruit with good tannic structure but no excess astringency. Seriously impressive.

91

Periphery 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($25)

Ripe, juicy, and generous, with distinguished notes of black plum and soy sauce. Acid structure is well-framed with toasty oak and black fruit, while notes of Mediterranean herbs spice up the finish.

93

Pighin 2024 Pinot Grigio, Collio, Fruili, Italy ($30)

A contemplative wine, it commands your attention. It pulses with a luxurious tautness, revealing layers of spice and rich citrus that build to a triumphant crescendo of pleasant resonance. Like a tattoo sleeve under a tuxedo, it offers a subtle bombast for a memorable package that is more than the sum of its parts.