GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

97

Cult by Beau Vigne 2021 13th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($150)

Tightly wound tannins create a motif of powerhouse intensity. Dried herbs, soy sauce, and slate add courage and conviction to the Cult. Black plum increases its complexity, enveloping spiced sandalwood on the finish.

94

Dei 2017 Sancta Catharina, Tuscany, Italy ($95)

A blend of 30% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot. Upstanding, elegant, and engrossing. This attention-getting red shows a fine acid structure, minerality, and black fruit. Espresso runs deep, embedded with white pepper and balsamic.

89

Devil’s Candy 2020 Napa Valley Red ($40)

Medium deep purple/red color amped with red fruit, savory spice, cracked pepper, charred wood notes, black licorice, and bittersweet chocolate. Moderate intensity, with good weight on the palate; round, and soft in character, with some length on the palate.

90

District 7 2021 Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Monterey ($20)

Sleek and structured with an athletic arm, ripe blackberry is seasoned with white pepper, coffee bean and vanilla-kissed oak.

94

Dolum Estates 2018 Cask #11 Red, Sonoma Mountain, Sonoma Valley ($82)

With a nine percent addition of fruit from Oakville, this blend of 74% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc is determined and driven with insistent tannins. Plum, lavender, and espresso are enveloped in a dusty coating for a chewy, dry finish.

94

Dolum Estates 2021 Cask #28 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($120)

Bright fruit with grippy, chalky tannins. Muscular, with black fruit, fennel, and espresso astringency. A pleasurable persuasion of mocha-kissed violets on the finish.

92

Element[AL] 2022 Chardonnay, California ($17)

This wine shows depth of character with a creamy, vanilla pudding base. Notes of Italian herbs ramp up its unique profile, leveled by lemon cookie and a smooth, honeysuckle-inspired finish.

92

Element[AL] 2022 Pinot Grigio, California ($17)

Lively and lean, with purity in summer pear, lime blossom, and a glossy mouthfeel. A line of salty minerals sweeps through mid-palate and adds luster to its high-toned acidity.