GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Château de Barbe 2023, Côtes de Bourg, France ($35)

Comprised of 80% Merlot, 15% Malbec and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this is impressively dark and deeply flavored. Thankfully, those attributes don’t come at the cost of closed flavors or astringency in the finish, and the dark plum and blackberry flavors easily over-ride the wine’s tannin and wood. Remarkably delicious already.

94

Château Victoria 2022 Haut-Medoc, Cru Bourgeois, France ($50)

A very sleek and refined Bordeaux, this offers excellent aromatic complexity and expressiveness. The flavors follow suit, with medium body but well-defined flavors recalling dark berries and black currants accented with spice notes and savory accents. Terrific young Bordeaux.

91

Chloe in Bloom 2025 Pinot Grigio & Sauvignon Blanc, CA ($15)

Perfumed with Spring flowers, this delicate duo-varietal white is seamless on the palate, with meringue-kissed apricot, Key lime, and honeysuckle.

92

Chronic Cellars 2023 “Suite Petite” Petite Sirah, Paso Robles ($17)

Chewy tannins and a revelation of sweet, ripe plum match with savory notes of coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate. The wine shows depth of flavor, structure, color, and character.

92

Cooper & Thief 2023 Pinot Noir, CA ($30)

Aged three months in bourbon whiskey barrels, and coming in at 15.5% abv, this is a Pinot Noir unlike any we have tasted. Its muscular frame layers sweet oak spice, blueberries, and chocolate over subtle butterscotch notes. Round and plush, this is a textured and dramatic red.

92

Cooper & Thief 2023 Red Wine Blend, CA ($30)

Silky and deep, with jammy blackberries and bittersweet dark chocolate coconut. Indulgent, it’s aged three months in bourbon whiskey barrels, with a touch of smoke integrating with roasted coffee on the oak-toned finish.

93

Crossbow 2024 Chardonnay, Sonoma County ($24)

With a mineral base, barrel notes are still evident: pungent vanilla and crème brûlée.

92

Crossbow 2024 Pinot Noir, Sonoma County ($24)

Layered flavors of mocha, plum, sweet tobacco, and soy sauce show complexity.