GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Old Bridge Cellars 2020 Innocent Bystander Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia ($20)

Earth and salty minerality maintain the wine’s freshness. Sage and tart cherry are juicy with a slightly toasty finish.

91

Old Soul 2021 Folklore Red Wine, Lodi ($15)

A blend of Cab Sauvignon, Petit Sirah, Zinfandel, Petit Verdot, and Malbec.
Intense black fruit flavors of blackberry and blueberry, vanilla, oak, cloves, baking spices, chocolate, and black peppercorn. On the palate, rich cooked fruit flavors, baking spices such as cloves, cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of leather.

95

On Q 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($85)

With some Petit Verdot added, this fleshy and luscious red caresses with suede tannins. Dark chocolate-covered violets and black cherry form a reined in “syrup” on the palate. An expansion of flavors increases intensity and complexity with a toasted almond-oak finish.

93

Opolo 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon , Paso Robles ($42)

This is the winery’s flagship expression, sourcing fruit from the Willow Creek estate as well as selected vineyards throughout the region. Aged 16 months in French oak, it offers a sumptuous entry with suede tannins. Almond-battered fudge, black cherry, and sweet soy sauce converge. Weighty, with a richness that gains finesse as it continues to evolve in the glass.

94

Opolo 2021 Rhapsody, Willow Creek District, Paso RObles ($50)

A rush of black cherries, espresso, creamy cherry pie, and licorice coat the mouth, fulfilling the richness factor. Feathered notes of violets and bittersweet dark chocolate show strength and texture, succumbing to a round body and toasted oak finish.

91

Paso Highlands Cellars 2022 Zinfandel, California ($20)

From mountain country south of Paso Robles, this ripe red is a teeth-gripper, with bright acidity. The mouthfeel offers a dusty textural sensation, with notes of dried roses and underbrush. The zippy finish offers white peppered red cherries.

90

Pasqual Toso Brut Mendoza, Argentina ($13)

Pale yellow color, light-bodied wine made with Chardonnay grapes. Stone fruit flavors of pear, peach, and apricot shine through along with tropical notes of green melon and banana. There are also hints of lemon zest, green apple, elderflower, and biscuit. The wine has small bubbles and a mild herbaceous quality.

94

Piper-Heidsieck Champagne Brut Heritage NV, Champagne, France ($47)

A charmer in classic fashion, this blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Meunier, and 20% Chardonnay proffers white flower–strewn scents of sourdough, yellow apple, apricot, and marzipan that reverberate on the fresh and snappy yet fleshy palate along with poached pear in crème Anglaise and lime leaf. The slightly salty finish zings.