GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

90

Here by Chance 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($25)

Super ripe blackberry, with espresso, licorice and smoky cedar. Broad flavors surround the palate, with stewed fruit and chocolate ganache.

94

ICON, The Beau Vigne Collection 2023 Proprietary Red Wine, Napa Valley ($80)

A blend of 71% Cabernet Sauvignon with some Merlot and Petit Verdot, it shows a firm grip. The wine directs your attention to iron-ore and espresso, slowly allowing its streamlined structure to open up. Dried lavender and black plum texturize the palate; tannins firm and muscular.

93

Illicit 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($16)

Flirtatious hints of dark chocolate, ripe blackberries and sweet cigarillos seduce on the nose. The juice gushes with succulent raspberries and sweet cherry pie. Lush and lifted, this red is full of bold pleasure.

92

Invicta 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast ($20)

A brooding character, co-starring graphite, black olive, leather, and tree bark. Black fruit emerges at mid-point: plum and blackberry so deep, dotted with pepper. Texturally complex with walnut skin tannins and a muscle-bound, structured finish.

92

Invicta 2023 Red Blend, Sonoma County ($18)

Cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced cherries go far across the palate, with generous strokes of leather, red beets, and toasted cedar. Tons of personality at this price point: plush and round, with a white-peppered mulberry finish.

92

J. Lohr 2023 Los Osos Merlot, Paso Robles ($15)

With 14% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Franc added in, this palate-pleasing red shows ripe notes of black cherry with dark roast coffee and mocha. Meaty and substantial with a swash of mocha, violets, and toasted croissant.

92

J. Lohr 2023 Pure Paso Proprietary Red Wine, Paso Robles ($27)

With 36% Petite Sirah added to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, (and some Malec and Saint-Macaire), this wine over-delivers in mouthfeel aromas, flavors, and structure for the price. In this expressive vintage, it shows determination, grip, and finesse. The sense of concentration of dried violets, caramel, plum skin tannins, cherry ganache, and minerality exhibit complexity and stamina.

93

J. Lohr 2023 South Ridge Syrah, Paso Robles ($27)

With 36% Petite Sirah added to 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, (and some Malec and Saint-Macaire), this wine over-delivers in mouthfeel aromas, flavors, and structure for the price. In this expressive vintage, it shows determination, grip, and finesse. The sense of concentration of dried violets, caramel, plum skin tannins, cherry ganache, and minerality exhibit complexity and stamina.