GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Rutherford Hill 2021 Merlot, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley ($70)

The first word that comes to mind is fresh. While notes of cherry and cherrywood charm the palate up front, a deeper dive brings out cigar wrapping and white pepper. Chalky tannins wrap around the tongue, but that Luxardo cherry vibrancy, thanks to its innate acidity, lingers through a lengthy finish.

96

Rutherford Hill 2021 Merlot, Stags Leap District, Napa Valley ($70)

Elegance is embodied in this sleek red, with toasted almond and ripe blueberry taking a stance. You can taste the soil, with a hint of iodine and herbal undertones. Creamy, with spiced chocolate-cherry, and a hint of orange peel. The wine continues to draw out additional flavors and textures within minutes. Tannins are seamless, but the structure is undeniable.

97

Rutherford Hill 2022 Heaven’s Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($125)

Finesse is exhibited here within an athletic frame, keeping a soft and sensuous profile for this raving beauty’s well-integrated tannins. Lithe on the palate with cherry oak and vanilla Rooibos tea, this is a diamond of a wine, valued for its complexity and depth, from the winery’s estate vineyard, appreciated for its status in the world class arena.

95

Rutherford Hill 2022 Heaven’s Peak Red Blend, Rutherford, Napa Valley ($125)

From a single site on the Rutherford Hill estate, this blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 41% Merlot, and 1% Petit Verdot is enhanced with silky tannins that surround white-pepper plum gelée. Cherry vanilla climbs aboard high-velocity acidity, while coffee notes create a savory mood on the seductive finish.

90

Santa Rita Estates 2024 True Heroes Malbec, Argentina ($16)

Creamy and dense, with a generous dollop of boysenberry and vanilla. Seamless and broad, with a hint of white pepper and a splash of red tea.

92

Scheid 2022 District 7 Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey, CA ($16)

A showcase of savory spices lift from the first whiff, paired with plum and cranberry walking a tightrope of charcoal smoke. Darker fruits emerge upon tasting, with a texture of plushness and polish. Savory notes cascade on the finish with buoyant tannins to firm up without taking center stage.

93

Sean Minor 2023 Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, CA ($28)

A very versatile Cabernet with strong appeal in both flavor and structure. Open aromas and flavors recalling Bing cherries and red berries lead the way, with just enough tannin and to provide grip in the finish and allow this to perform well either before dinner or during a meal.

92

Sean Minor 2024 California Series Sauvigngon Blanc, CA ($18)

This is an over-achiever for California appellation Sauvignon. Medium-bodied, it shows ripe flavors including classic melon and citrus notes, but also a suggestion of tropical fruits. The aromas aren’t as grassy or herbal as usual for Sauvignon Blanc, but the ripe and fruity aromas lend coherence to the wine’s overall character.