GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

90

The Ned 2021 Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand ($20)

On the deeper, denser side of the varietal spectrum, this Pinot invites you in with scents of cooked strawberry and raspberry before taking an intriguing turn toward sassafras and beet; likewise on the palate, touches of tomato leaf, soil, and white pepper counterpoint a melody of ripe, tangy strawberry and plum.

91

The Ned 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($17)

As Marlborough Sauvignon Blancs go, this one neither rigidly conforms to style nor repudiates it, instead striking an appealing balance both on the nose—where grapefruit and white-peppered snap pea are rounded out by cantaloupe and jasmine—and on the palate, which adds lemon, underripe pineapple, and even a hint of arugula to the mix. A little flesh on its body ups its sexiness quotient.

97

Three Sticks 2023 Pinot Noir, Price Family Estates, Sonoma Coast ($75)

From one of the latest harvests in the Sonoma Coast history, development of flavor had an advantage and this wine is proof. This wine is a blend of the estate’s six vineyards including the Heritage Vineyards of the Durell, Gap’s Crown, and Walala. The wine is delicate and feathery, with clear cut acid structure that illuminates cherries, pomegranate, and orange peel. Its dimension is notable, a down pillow of creamy blueberry, hibiscus, and mint chocolate chip with a dash of black pepper on the finish.

93

True Myth 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, California ($24)

Mouthwatering aromatics of spice, fennel and thyme entice. A kaleidoscope of pepper, cherry and graphite flavors mount a chassis of dense tannins and freshness. Satisfying to the end, this a wine of reflection, that invites both recognition and intrigue.

92

True Myth 2022 Chardonnay, Edna Valley ($18)

Rich and vivacious, this Chardonnay is a commanding display of grace. Notes of fresh jasmine and honeysuckle are in full bloom. Nutmeg and orchard fruit with a hint of cinnamon caper nimbly on a toned structure.

91

Twenty Rows 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast ($20)

Perfumed with savory herbs and spices, this is a showcase of a classic California Cabernet Sauvignon. Fruit-forward yet pleasantly rustic, notes of rhubarb and cigar box linger with a hint of smoke.

93

Two Hands Winery 2022 Sexy Beast Cabernet Sauvignon, McLaren Vale, Australia ($40)

An intense, animated red, with verve. Beaming with black-peppered dark plum. Earthy tones, black tea, amped by a spice at the front of the tongue and a finish of dark chocolate almond.

94

Typhon Estates 2021 Axius, Proprietary Red Blend, Paso Robles ($72)

A full-bodies, Cabernet Sauvignon-based red, with some Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre. Ripe boysenberry is layered with an underlying earthiness. Vanilla-brushed cedar and a seamless mouthfeel, results in an energetic and focused red with a touch of salinity on the finish.