GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

Staete Landt 2024 Annabel Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($25)

Striking notes of dried herbs, grapefruit zest, star fruit, white tea flowers light up in the glass. Salinity runs deep, searing into a vivid tangerine finish.

89

Steinbock NV Riesling, Brut Zero, Mosel, Germany ($16)

Sourced from vineyards in the Mosel, this nonalcoholic bubbly has verve. Dominant notes of lemon-lime and white flowers are supplemented by green melon and pineapple, and there’s a refreshing energy to the mouthfeel.

90

Susie Bynum 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley ($25)

This nicely matured, attractively packaged Cabernet checks out at a surprisingly palatable price. Predominantly black fruit notes have a red thread running through them, along with oak notes that show notably but not overwhelmingly in either the aromas or the flavors.

92

Susie Bynum 2023 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($25)

Admirably complex in relation to its asking price, this starts with scents of light oak spice and toast, followed by ripe fruit flavors recalling baked apples and poached peaches. Nearly full-bodied, it is freshened by ripe acidity with a touch of bitterness that balances the fruit’s sweetness.

92

Susie Bynum 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($30)

Light in color and body, this surprisingly impactful Pinot is bolstered by touches of spice and toast that amp up both the aromas and flavors. The fruit shows tones of both red and black cherries, with additional bolstering from finely grained tannins in the finish that lend a well-measured grip.

93

Ten to Life 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($35)

Meaty notes and texture are impressive: juicy and deep. Concentrated flavors of boysenberry liqueur and grape jam are seasoned by sweet basil and tilled soil minerality.

90

Terra Pura 2024 Reserva Pinot Noir, Itata Valley, Chile ($14)

Black-peppered cherries, tilled soil, and espresso show notable depth for a Pinot Noir at this price. Expressive from star to finish.

93

Tesco Finest 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa Valley ($29)

You won’t find many Cabs from Oakville at this price, and this one has a distinguished flair for an amazing value. Tobacco and coffee defines the wine’s savory side, while blackberry and cassis are juicy components of its finely structured frame.