GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Navigator 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, North Coast ($18)

Tangerine on nose and palate offers an elegant presence. Acidity is racy, with sweet basil and lemon bar as its stunning sidekicks. The finish has a dainty creaminess.

89

Needle & Thread 2024 Chardonnay, CA ($15)

Oaky, rich, and lusciously textured. Toasted almond-coconut and burnished crème brûlée are expressive.

90

Needle & Thread 2024 Pinot Noir, CA ($15)

Cherry and milk chocolate are delightful starters. Thanks to its savory side, tobacco and black pepper alter the texture and profile of the wine, leveling it up a few notches.

92

Ocnautic 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($16)

Very attractive packaging and it overdelivers both inside and out. It shows a very appealing combination of ripe Bing cherry fruit with a tinge of tarter blackberry flavor. Well-measured framing from ripe tannins provides evidence of impressive winemaking skill.

91

Octopoda 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($17)

Graphite and espresso lead the way with back notes of toffee and tobacco. The wine maintains an image of bold concentration. Its juicy quality is certainly an attribute, washing over the palate with a woodsy finish.

90

Opolo 2024 Summit Creek Merlot, Paso Robles ($22)

A robust, ripe red with tobacco-stained tannins and dark chocolate espresso-covered cherries. Layered and muscular with Mediterranean herbs surrounding juicy black raspberry.

93

optik 2023 Chardonnay, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County ($40) 

Made with three clones—4, 76, and Mount Eden—from the Miller family’s famed Bien Nacido property, this Chardonnay aged 14 months in (20% new) oak displays plenty of cool-climate polish, from the nose of bruised apple infused with baking spice such as cinnamon and savory chamomile to the silky mouthfeel distinguished by caramel apple and preserved lemon. A soupçon of banana makes for a jazzy finish.

93

optik 2023 Petite Sirah, French Camp Vineyard, Paso Robles Highland District ($50)

Robust, teeth-grabbing tannins surround a field of violets and fennel. Wet stone is elevated by plum skin and soy sauce, with a spiced cedar finish.