GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Opolo 2023 Willow Cuvée Reserve, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($50)

A bountiful Bordeaux-style blend from blocks of 24-year-old Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon vines. Warming spices, sandalwood, and a generous flow of boysenberry and maple are superb flavors that wash across the palate on a velvet path.

90

Opolo 2024 Summit Creek Zinfandel, Paso Robles ($19)

Sage-soaked ripe cherries and black raspberries are juicy and concentrated. Spiced oak and chocolate add texture and energy.

92

Pertaringa 2023 Belonging to the Hills Reserve Shiraz, McClaren Vale, AU ($50)

Salted rhubarb, red licorice, sweet tobacco, and chocolate cedar are bright and spirited. Acidity is high-toned, with a mineral edge to the finish.

93

Pertaringa 2024 Belonging to the Hills GSM, McClaren Vale, AU ($40)

Spiced rhubarb, cinnamon, cured meats, and chocolate are dynamic flavors. Vibrant red cherry weaves through luscious smoky, sweet soil.

92

Quilt 2024 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($35)

Just the right balance of acidity, flavor, and texture. Notes of oak, baked apple, and cinnamon-pear add to a broad, generously enveloping mouthfeel. The soft caress of toffee on the finish is memorable.

93

Quilt 2024 Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa Valley ($40)

Dense, chocolate-y blueberry notes are surrounded by satin-lined tannins. Sweet soil, spied cherry ganache, and a hint of sassafras show off its complex persona.

94

Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2024 Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($31)

With nine months in French oak and 100% ML, the mouthfeel is generously leesy and sinewy, with fleshy apricot and melon. Lush notes of lemon curd, salty pear, and a crushed shell effect, heightened by a fine acid structure leads to a long finish.

94

Sonoma Coast Vineyards 2024 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($38)

Perfumed by ripe red berries and hibiscus. Floral tones persist with acacia and spiced rose petals. Savory tones are reflected in flinty minerality, roasted coffee, dried black cherries, and umami.