GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Ancient Peaks 2024 Chardonnay, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles ($20)

There are the tell-tale notes of Chardonnay’s usual suspects of vanilla and baking spices including cardamom and clove alongside a pinch of white pepper. There is a rippling effect that unveils a lifted and lithe richness. This is a multi-dimensional, full-bodied and athletic wine that rewards time in the glass.

94

Ancient Peaks 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Margarita Ranch, Paso Robles ($20)

The endless summer beams through the glass. Fresh yuzu and melon are bedfellows with golden sultanas and crisp gala apple skins. This is the kind of wine that could fully satisfy from the bouquet alone. The palate does not disappoint with pulsing tropical fruit and lively acidity and a pronounced zippy quality.

94

Archery Summit 2024 Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley ($50)

A floral beauty, this cuvée encompasses select vineyards planted on Willamette Valley’s red Jory soils. Enhanced by raspberry, hibiscus, red beets, and cherry vanilla, its silky tannins maintain a juicy flow. A study in earth, with a prickle of white pepper and a flash of cinnamon-strawberry.

94

Barrel Oak Winery 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Middleburg, Virginia ($40)

Ripe and well-balanced, with supple tannins and a fine acid structure. Aged 19 months in 80% French Oak 20% American Oak. Wild strawberry, plum, and a hint of Italian herbs lend an Old World notion to this stand-up red.

93

Barrel Oak Winery 2022 Petit Verdot, Middleburg, Virginia ($35)

Ripe and luscious, with smashed boysenberries and candied lavender. Acidity leans into its broad, juicy frame, meeting some of the variety’s highest standards.

92

Barrel Oak Winery 2024 Rosé, Middleburg, Virginia ($25)

Apricots are vibrant, with melon and honey following for this blend of 65% Chambourcin and 35% Seyval Blanc. Acidity keeps a fresh watch, surrounding a stony mid-section bursting with flavor.

93

Barrel Oak Winery 2024 Seyval Blanc, Middleburg, Virginia ($25)

The wow factor is ignited by a grassy aroma along with freshly squeezed grapefruit. Sparked with bristling acidity, flavors of honeyed pears and orange blossom come to life, seasoned with chervil and rosemary. It delivers a racy character with oodles of inner sunshine.

93

Bel Colle 2024 Langhe Nebbiolo DOC, Piedmont, Italy ($20)

Nebbiolos from the broader Langhe region aren’t as complex as Barolo or Barbaresco—but neither are they as astringent or woody when newly released. This outstanding example of the breed shows the class of the grape variety with subtle florals recalling violets and roses, following up with delicious fruit similar in flavor to Morello cherries and red raspberries.