GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Les Vins Julien 2022 Côtes du Rhône Red Blend, Rhône Valley, France ($22)

Dusty and dry, with a paradigm of rose petals weaving through grilled meat, enveloped in plum skin and ripe cherry. Complex and layered with a bright and lively acidity.

92

Les Vins Julien 2022 Pinot Noir, Russan River Valley, Sonoma County ($35)

Cherries and earth create an aromatic lift, followed by flavors of jasmine, wet stone, espresso, and tobacco. The wine possesses just enough weight to carry all this savoriness to the finish, amplified by a nip of black peppered-plum and walnut.

93

Les Vins Julien 2023 Chardonnay Light, Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino County ($35)

An ethereal white wine with a whisp of linen, vanilla crème fraiche, and lemon bar. Exacting precision and a balanced palate of modernity for a California Chardonnay.

92

Les Vins Julien 2023 Le Blanc Light, California ($28)

Winemaker Julien Fayard’s field blend, with only 70 calories and coming in at 11% abv. Crisp pear, Fuji apple, and honeysuckle are clean and stark on the palate. Fresh, high-toned acidity adds top notes to the lemon-lime squeeze on the finish.

93

Les Vins Julien 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($35)

Mesmerizing perfume of basil, chervil, and lime zest. On the palate, the first sip swirls the palate in a wash of wet stone and grapefruit. Texturally, the wine owns up to a gossamer-toned esprit, slightly creamy, with candied pineapple and a spark on the finish from its racy acidity.

91

Lifevine 2023 Chardonnay, California ($18)

The bouquet is hardly shy with a panoply of pleasant aromas, including rich clove, wet stone, Bosc pear and a forest of white flowers. The palate is juicy and lithe, angular, and fresh with hints of apple flesh and lemon zest.

94

Lobo 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley ($125)

When it comes to an austere entry of teeth-gripping, mineral-focused tannins, this big, bold, balanced red belongs in our pack. Wild at first, its power is gentled by a creamy core of fully ripened blackberry. Smooth and glossy on the finish, with dried heather, sweet soil, and mulberry.

95

Lone Eagle 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, The Summit, Sonoma County ($65)

Dusty and determined, with an inner structure that offers power and soul. Black raspberry and dark chocolate are wrapped in a bouquet of lavender and plum skin. Juicy and fresh; grainy tannins carry savory spice and sandalwood on a generously long wingspan.