GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

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.

96

optik 2023 Pinot Noir, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Co. ($50)

Prickly pear, hibiscus, and Ranier cherries send a bight signal to the palate. White pepper and raspberry gelée are perked up by an ideal acid structure. From one of California’s – if not the world’s – most pedigreed vineyards, it ‘s demeanor is confident and fresh, with a mocha-raspberry finish and a hint of terroir.

95

Optik 2023 Pinot Noir, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Co ($50)

Cherries soaked in cinnamon, with iron filings and an earthy frame create a lively, eye-opening, well-paced red. White pepper glazes over the palate, holing up notes of Rooibos tea and red beets, with a nod to sandalwood on the cooling finish.

95

optik 2023 Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Co. ($50)

Winemaker Joey Tensley certainly has a way with Syrah, and from this vineyard it is certainly a super star. A coating of licorice and tarry plum demonstrates concentration and confidence. A line-up of fresh herbs and crushed boysenberry lengthens on the palate, with a dot of black pepper and a glide of sleek minerality.

92

Oya Pointe 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($17)

Startling grassy notes surrounded by lemon-lime sorbet and freshly squeezed grapefruit. Acidity revives with each sip, while mineral tones cleanse the palate.

93

Performance 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($45)

Dramatic and bold, with dense layers of espresso, black plum, cassis, and pipe tobacco. Tannins are suede-lined; drying and yet balanced with an elegant restraint.

90

Projection 2024 Chardonnay, North Coast ($14)

Magnetic, lush notes of Golden apple and pie crust, sparked by salty mineral tones. Summer crisp pear is a highlight, with brisk acidity.

93

Psagot 2024 Sinai “M” Series, Jerusalem Mountain, Israel ($29)

This robust red is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Shiraz, and 18% Malbec. Spiced sandalwood is tempered with bright cherry, mocha, and plum. Tannins are round but sturdy enough to prove its prowess of concentrated mountain fruit.