GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Quilt 2023 “The Grace of the Land” Fumé Blanc Reserve, Napa Valley ($35)

With a foundation of lemon-vanilla cream, the salinity pulls through with a cool streak of acidity. This white has body and style all its own.

96

Rhys 2023 Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains ($54)

Steely, with tart lemon wedge and a beaming acidity. Vivacious and focused, amplified to a high frequency. Sweet basil and crisp pear filter through on the vibrating finish.

96

Rhys 2023 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino County ($49)

With a grip, notes of sage and bramble wrap around black cherries while red tea tannins dry the palate. Dark and mysterious, with a forest floor element attaching itself to just-picked wild strawberries. Burgundian in style and delivery.

94

Rhys 2023 Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains ($54)

From the winery’s organically dry-farmed vineyards, this wine has well developed mineral tonality, balanced by the energy of barely ripened red berries and the liveliness of its innate acid structure. Earthy notes are matched by milk chocolate and white pepper.

91

Ryokō Junmai Ginjo, Premium Japanese Sake, Kyoto, 720 ml ($20)

A bright, juicy, clean, and refreshing saké, with a lush, full-bodied, creamy mid-center, and built on tropical fruit notes and expressive white floral character, which complements the more orchard-fruit-driven palate, all underscored by mineral-rich acid tension. Polished to at least 60%, best paired with hard and soft cheeses.

98

Stags’ Leap Winery 2024 “Vintner’s Select” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($90)

Well-structured with plush tannins, this wine captures intensity and finesse. With small amounts of Malbec and Petite Sirah, the wine is silky, with a demeanor of impactful grace. Flavors of chocolate-cherry, cinnamon rhubarb, and lavender mint melt across the palate. With a fine acid structure, it demonstrates youthful vigor and freshness.

93

Sterling 2023 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60)

Malbec, Merlot, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Franc add depth, color, and ripeness to this 89% Cabernet Sauvignon. Wild blackberries surround clove and cigar leaf. Sandalwood sparked with white pepper and red tea is tempered with robust yet velvety tannins, contributing to the wine’s strong framework and inviting texture. Youthful and focused.

91

Subterra 2023 Pinot Noir, CA ($17)

Rose petals and tart red cherries are salted with toffee and allspice. Graceful and light-hearted with a touch of tilled soil on the finish.