GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Wente 2024 Riva Ranch Pinot Noir Rosé, Arroyo Seco, Monterey County ($22)

Aromas: Apricot, tangerine, and vanilla
A spring garden of wildflowers seduces the palate. Fresh, ripe melon, orange peel, and plumeria are further enhanced by bright acidity. A rosé to remember!

90

Wente Family Vineyard 2022 Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast ($20)

Tart cranberry, red tea, and clove angle to include an inner brightness. An herb garden seasons the vivacious red fruit that saturates the palate with a zing on the finish.

93

Wente Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Wetmore Vineyard, Livermore Valley ($35)

A fine representation of Livermore Valley terroir and one of the flagship wines for the 140-year-old Wente Family Vineyards. Boysenberry and violets attach to drying tannins, supple and structured. Sweet earth rises to the fore, but the deep, dark fruit is ever-present. An approachable Cab that is superbly food friendly.

96

Acumen PEAK 2022 Cabernet Franc, Atlas Peak AVA, Napa Valley ($110)

With the addition of 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, and 2% Petit Verdot, this Right Bank style red from Acumen’s mountain estate is a textural dream. Refined tannins are displayed thoroughly through the sensation of melting dark chocolate and luscious, creamy violets. Plum pudding arises with a weave of sage, tobacco, and cedar.

95

Acumen PEAK 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($110)

Winemaker Phillip Titus created an opulent offering in this vintage, individually fermenting two blocks from two prestigious vineyards, Edcora and Attelas. Juicy, rich boysenberry and vanilla cream are distinctively uplifted on first sip. Lavender and jasmine beckon on mid-palate, with chocolate raspberries surfacing. This expressive mountain Cab (with 5% Petit Verdot) shows concentration and power with a ballet dancer’s grace.

92

Alceño 2023 50 Barricas Syrah, Jumilla, Spain ($20)

High-toned fruit and acidity are a great match in this vibrant red. Bright cherry, pomegranate, and red tea surround the palate with ease. Notes of white pepper spark on the finish.

93

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($28)

A toasty start, with nutmeg and cinnamon weaved through strawberry jam and a pinch of white pepper. Energetic and bright, with plush tannins and a finish of cherry cola.
Banfi Vintners

93

Among the Giants 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Goose Gap, Columbia Valley, Washington ($20)

This well-knit wine is an excellent value. Speckled with graphite and licorice, earthy plum openly appeals on the nose as well as on the silky medium-bodied palate, where fruit ranging from tangy cranberry to black cherry converges with supple tannins amid accents of olive and heather. The finish is long and toasty.