GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2022 Block Three Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($85)

Savory, earthy old-world character with graphite, Italian herbs, and a defined tension and grip. Acidity rears up and dons a freshness with a flow of black raspberry. Still very youthful in its demeanor.

94

Hawk and Horse Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($75)

From the winery’s high elevation Biodynamic-certified estate vineyard towering as high as 2,200 feet, this is a highly aromatic red with a perfume of chocolate cherry and new leather. On the palate, the grip is firm and dusty. Italian herbs, iron, and a taut acidity are platformed on a mineral base.

92

Highflyer 2022 Centerline Red, Lodi ($25)

Aromas of Mediterranean herbs and blackberry light up the glass and correspond to the flavors on initial entry. Juicy, with a tart boysenberry-vanilla freshness. A dash of white pepper adds zip to an otherwise velvet mouthfeel. A superb blend of 66% Zinfandel, 28% Primitivo, 4% Syrah, and 2% Petite Sirah.

93

Highflyer 2023 Centerline Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($25)

Impeccably balanced, with wispy top notes of baked apple, honeyed pears, gardenia, and vanilla bean. Lemon blossom and lime chiffon add creaminess to the middle. A hint of sandalwood comforts on the finish.

91

House of Brown 2022 Red Blend, Lodi ($20)

This blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Pinot Noir, and 25% Tempranillo offers an unctuous mouthfeel, slick and tart with red cherries in aspic, cinnamon rose petals, and peony. Red berries converge in a summer fruit bowl, dotted with white pepper, and scented with jasmine.

91

House of Brown 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Lodi ($20)

A floral beauty, packed with peony, violets, orange blossom, and red tea. Cherry pie notes deliver on mid palate. This is a bright and shining red.

91

Ironstone Vineyards 2023 Obsession Symphony, Lodi ($15)

A sublime white blend offering aromas of white flowers embraces the palate with a nectar of pineapple and peach. The sweet sensations dazzle through to the finish.

91

Ivy Ridge 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand ($14)

An animated white wine, with scintillating acidity and vibrant notes of gooseberry, seasoned with dill, saffron, and oregano. Light and breezy with a speckle of salinity on the refreshing finish.