GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Opolo 2023 Mountain Zinfandel, Paso Robles ($32)

From Paso’s coastal mountain terroirs of Templeton Gap, Willow Creek District, and Adelaida District, this deeply hued carmine-purple wine is ripe and concentrated. Plum, mashed blackberries, heather, and roasted coffee align. Elegant but sturdy, its creamy mouthfeel centering on sweet strawberry, cherry, and desiccated lavender.

96

Patrick Sullivan 2023 Bullswamp Chardonnay, Gippsland, Victoria, Australia ($85)

Steely on first sip with a linear formation of key lime, pineapple, and elderflower. Elegant to its core.

91

Penny Island 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($20)

Like a shiny penny, this Pinot Noir offers notes of terroir and umami, with a hint of iron minerality. Dark cherry and cedar unite with sweet tobacco and rich, ripe plum overtones.

94

Quilt 2023 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($35)

Butterscotch cream, pecan, and toasted wheat bread are rich, luscious notes. Round bodied, with white-peppered orange peel. A scoring acidity balances it out and allows the liquid to glide through to the finish.

92

Quilt 2023 The Fabric of the Land Red Wine, Napa Valley ($35)

Suede tannins introduce a robust flow of flavors, from espresso to tobacco leaf. Seamless, the liquid curves around the palate, with a dot of white peppered black plum.

93

Ravel & Stitch 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast ($25)

A graceful, streamlined red with shimmery tannins. The liquid glides across the palate like a champion ice skater, sleek and juicy, with notes of lavender, plum, chocolate, and compassion flower.

92

Reyneke 2024 Vinehugger Chenin Blanc, Western Cape, South Africa ($18)

Aromas: Lychee, lime sorbet, lanolin
Lychee notes are recognizable with vanilla custard and pine nuts. Crisp and Vibrant.

93

Reyneke 2024 Vinehugger Red, Western Cape, South Africa ($18)

A blend of organic grapes, this Syrah (98%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (2%) sports grilled meats and bacon fat, with saturating blackberry and dark plum. Satin-lined tannins and white pepper demand attention – a luxurious ride across the palate. Spiced cedar and coffee add dimension to deep plum, violets, and dark chocolate.