GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Yering Station 2021 Chardonnay, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia ($36)

Bright flavors come through, from lemon zest, green apple, and gooseberry to honeydew, apricot, and nectarine with a hint of honeysuckle. On the palate: citrus, green melon with a wet rock/mineral finish complemented with salinity.

92

22 Pirates 2021 Red Blend, Central Coast ($20)

Ripe and flavorful but neither over-ripe nor overly sweet, and the flavors are gutsy without any excess astringency, despite use of 33% new French oak. The blend is 42% Syrah, 21% Zinfandel, 14% Petite Sirah, 9% Grenache, 8% Carignane and 6% Cinsault, and the result is a deliciously satisfying bargain…quite the opposite of piracy.

90

69 Miles Vineyard 2022 Chardonnay, Yolo County, CA ($20)

Aromas of ripe banana and vanilla custard lead to salted lemon, pineapple, and a wisp of peanut brittle on the palate. This is an alert, high-toned white. Tart, crisp, and bright.

92

Acidity Trip 2021 Pinot Noir, California ($18)

Cherries in mocha-laden cedar are an impressive start to this well-crafted red. Cranberry spice and beet root impact the palate midway. A bevy of salty herbs leave a salty finish.

92

Acidity Trip 2022 Coastal Chardonnay, 56% Monterey Co/34% Mendocino Co/ 10% Sonoma County ($18)

Barrel-fermented and sur lie aged for seven months in French and American oak, resulting in a mouth filling nectar of apple and apricot, with a toasty midpoint. Acidity is spot on, urging a dreamy finish that brings up flavors and visions of butterscotch-coated cashew.

91

Acidity Trip 2022 Coastal Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sonoma Co/35% Monterey Co/25% Lake Co ($18)

A stainless-steel fermented white with a fresh aura. Aromas of basil and hay ignite the sweet scent of fresh pear. Grapefruit zings on the palate, with a coating of cut grass and lychee. Searing acidity races to the finish.

96

Ancient Peaks 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Pearl Collection, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles ($72)

This vintage showcases the best of Santa Margarita Ranch’s cultivated blocks of ancient sea bed shale on Margarita Vineyard, aged for 23 months in 100% new French oak. Dressed in tux and tails, this sophisticated Cab (with 5% Petit Verdot) is a celebratory soirée for the senses. Elegant in its mouthfeel, round, supple tannins, and blackberry preserves polish the palate. Complex, balanced with a long finish of black olive, dark chocolate, and black cherry.

92

Antigal 2019 Aduentus Mediterráneo Blend, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina ($30)

We love this blend of 30% Syrah and 40% Malbec with 30% Tempranillo. Aged for 14 months in French and American oak, it has a remarkable boldness with heady flavors of Worcestershire, cigar leaf, and blackberry preserves. Deep and resonant, its soft tannins allow the reveal of creamy mocha and cinnamon-cedar.