GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

Medalla Real Gold Medal 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, D.O. Maipo Valley, Chile ($20)

Black cherries covered in dusty cocoa and adorned with violets and espresso stream across the palate. Vivid notes of anise and sandalwood are bolstered by a mineral quality that offers a graceful, sleek texture.

93

Morgan 2023 Twelve Clones Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands ($39)

Over 12 clones were chosen for this nine-month, French oak aged Pinot Noir. Wild strawberry, and Luxardo cherry-cola meet cute in this savory, light-hearted red. Prized with sweet tobacco, red licorice, and a searing acidity, notes of Italian herbs accelerate on mid-palate, finishing with dark plum and exotically spiced flowers.

90

Murphy-Goode 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($18)

Generously juicy and flavorful, this fruit-forward Cabernet shows quite deep color for its price category as well as substantial palate weight. There’s just enough tannic grip to let this stand up to moderately robust food, but natural fruit sweetness makes this a Cab that can easily be enjoyed as a cocktail-style sipper.

92

Nielson 2023 Chardonnay, Monterey and Santa Barbara Counties ($18)

The wine shows exceptionally pure notes of poached pears, ripe peaches, and Golden apples. Although made without oak, it is more complex than many oaked Chardonnays at this price because the fruit’s nuances aren’t smothered beneath wood-based notes.

95

Opolo 2022 Rhapsody Reserve, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($60)

With a base of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, Rhapsody is composed of all five Bordeaux varieties. Fruit is sourced from the winery’s Quinn West Estate and its newest high-elevation plantings from its contiguous, calcareous-driven soils of its To the Moon Vineyard. Aged 19 months in (44% new) French oak, a dash of white pepper excites notes of black cherry, sweet tobacco, black olive, and dark chocolate. Well-structured with grainy tannins and a juicy, amiable persona.

92

Optik 2022 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($40)

The nose beckons with toasted oak, a hint of saline alongside fragrant, white flowers and fresh rain. Bright and balanced on the palate, the mineral cornerstone lends structure to the plush notes of fresh apple skins and beeswax.

93

Optik 2022 Petite Sirah, French Camp Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles ($50)

The palate is lifted with a lovely contrast of fruity plushness and mouth-watering tension. Savory elements of cedar and fresh earth marry playfully with richer tones of vanilla and dark red fruit reduction.

94

Optik 2022 Valdiguié, French Camp Vineyard, Paso Robles Highlands District, Paso Robles ($50)

Racy acidity augments the high-toned, bright notes of white-peppered cranberry and red tea. Italian herbs season raspberry and tomato leaf. Its food pairing abilities are superb. What a charmer.