GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

90

Pighin 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli DOC, Italy ($20)

Taut and lively, this estate-bottled Sauvignon Blanc benefits from a mineral spine that cuts through flavors of grapefruit, passionfruit, and fresh herbs. A quiet lemon blossom lift layers the citrus-pith and tropical-fruit finish.

96

Pina 2021 Capponi Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County ($50)

This offers yet another object lesson in the excellence of the 2021 vintage for Cabernet in California’s North Coast appellations. It packs plenty of punch with dark toned notes of blackberries and black cherries as well as a subtle red fruit note recalling plums, with spicy oak lending nicely integrated complexities that aren’t blunted by any tannic astringency. Includes 16% Malbec and 4% Merlot.

95

Pina 2022 Low Chardonnay, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley ($45)

Priced to play in the big leagues, this justifies its price and then some, beginning with a bouquet featuring scents of roasted nuts, ripe orchard fruits, and baked apples. The fruit notes echo on the palate, with firming in the finish from aging in 50% new French oak. Lively acidity keeps everything fresh through the finish, making this enjoyable now, but it will be ever better during the coming five years. Serious juice.

93

Prescription 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($30)

Blackberry is seasoned with Italian herbs, balsamic, and black olives. A moody, well-structured red with grainy tannins that possess a slight grip. Notes of black and blue fruit generously fill out the palate and set a dynamic tone to the wine.

92

Quilt 2023 Threadcount Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa County ($30)

Juicy, with black fruit defined by minerality and sandalwood leaves a generous wash across the palate. Sleek and structured, with black tea tannins and a finish of licorice and cherry-drenched new leather.

92

Reciprocity 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, French Camp Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles ($18)

Bright and juicy, the savory herbal and spice notes leap playfully on the palate. This wine is lively and precise, with hints of sage, fresh strawberries, a touch of peppercorn and a hint of tea. Made from organic grapes and aged for seventeen months in barrel, this is a Cabernet built more like a dancer than a bull, and it sashays across the palate that would be the perfect partner to food.

93

Reciprocity 2022 Chardonnay, French Camp Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles ($40)

This Sauvignon Blanc trends towards savory rather than overtly opulent, with seamless integration of gentle green herbs and pepper. The palate is zippy and billows with lemon verbena and a touch of wasabi. There’s a delicacy of taut flavors staged with balance and a charming lightness of touch.

92

Reciprocity 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, French Camp Vineyard, Highlands District, Paso Robles ($18)

This wine is a showcase for classic Sauvignon Blanc character of grassy herbal notes with signature bell pepper and ruby red grapefruit. The palate is bright and succulent and evokes key lime pie and candied lemon. There is a pleasant and confident balance of flavors.