GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Barrel & Bell 2023 Buttery Chardonnay, California ($16)

The aromatics live up to the name, immediately evoking the inside of a movie theatre. The wine is unapologetically sumptuous. Clove and apple crumble are mounted on a frame of stony minerality with a lemon custard finish.

96

Beau Vigne 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($200)

Rich, lathered boysenberry ganache, roasted coffee, and graphite ascend on the palate. Tannins are suede-lined, with melting dark chocolate. This wine possesses structure with broad, rounded shoulders.

98

Beau Vigne Owner’s Reserve 2022 Guest Cottage Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($250)

Fruit grown on a high elevation vineyard sports a wine at the hilt of luxury. This eye-opening Cab possesses the wow factor at every turn. Plum skin dry, supple tannins and iron-rich soil align with cassis and leather. Approachable but ultimately age-worthy. Its voluptuous profile offers a concentrated, savory finish.

94

Bec Hardy 2021 Garden Series Cabernet Sauvignon, Limestone Coast, AU ($25)

The dazzling ruby color serves as a prelude to a formidable floral bouquet, replete with roses and fresh violet. The wine is self-assured with an elegant tension, showcasing notes of blackberries, allspice and mocha.

92

Benziger 2023 Running Wild Chardonnay, Paicines, San Benito County ($26)

Despite its name, this wine walks a steady line between the brawn suggested by the cow on its label and the delicacy implied by the butterflies. Swirling with buttery toffee, baking spice, and vanilla, Bosc pear makes a leap from the nose to a palate whose richness is tempered by lemony acidity and punctuated by a finishing touch of oak and cashew.

95

Bien Nacido Estate 2022 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($65)

Rich and complex, with ripe apples, pears, and pineapple. Buttery, with freshly baked bread and a well-rounded mouthfeel. One of the most noteworthy names in our industry.

97

Bien Nacido Estate 2022 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($90)

You won’t find many sites in California as respected as Bien Nacido Vineyard. This vintage is an Earth Mother, gracious and giving. Notes of ripe cherry, black tea, and iron-kissed soil. Sarsaparilla and allspice gently season cranberry. Incredibly elegant, with a round, down pillow lightness.

93

Blagden 2018 Pinot Noir, Sangiacomo Roberts Road Vineyard, Sonoma Coast ($60)

Deep and inviting; this seven-year-old Pinot Noir displays a character of warmth and charm. Chocolate-covered figs are surrounded by earthy undertones. Ripe cherry, black strap molasses, and sarsaparilla are comforting and elegant.

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