GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Wairau River 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($18)

Led by aromas of marine-influenced stone fruit, flavors of kiwi in chervil and dill are crisp and salty. Vibrant from start to finish.

94

Wellborn Winery 2022 Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($50)

Mouth-filling notes of buttered corn, melon, and saffron. Rich and luxurious, reined in by a sleek acidity. A base of salinity and lemon zest adds a pop of freshness on the palate. Aged sur lie for 16 months in French oak.

95

Wellborn Winery 2022 Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($65)

A rush of cranberry suede is spiced with cinnamon and dried roses. Energetic, with a broad band of acidity and a finely defined line of iron and black pepper. Just a touch of unearthed strawberries to satisfy a savory finish.

91

Wente Vineyards 2022 Merlot, Central Coast ($20)

Ripe and toasty, with plum skin cedar and walnut. Blackberries at the height of their season add flavor, with a powdery texture. Nice weight on the palate and a long finish.

90

Wente Vineyards 2022 Mount Diablo Highlands Red Blend, Central Coast ($20)

Rich and fleshy, with ripe black cherry, plum, and vanilla bean. Mid-palate notes of coffee and a spark of white pepper incite a juicy freshness.

91

Wente Vineyards 2023 Riverbank Riesling, Central Coast ($28)

Stark mineral tones are compact and taut, with lemon wedge acidity. Bright notes of just-ripened pineapple and a hint of gardenia leave the palate refreshed.

92

Zoltar Speaks, 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($40)

Juicy, dark cherry with spiced nutmeg and sweet tobacco are prominent notes. Bittersweet dark chocolate melts across the palate as the tannins remain inviting and round.

94

Alceño 12 Monastrell, Jumilla, Spain ($17)

From vines that average 68 years in age, and with the addition of 15% Syrah, comes an exquisite example of this variety (also known as Mourvedre) from the Mediterranean coast of southeastern Spain. Dried lavender, cured meats, and bittersweet dark chocolate are attached to structured tannins in a savory frame. A juicy patchwork of plum and black cherry meld with oregano and bergamot. The finish results in a chalky mouthfeel.