GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

“CA Reserve” 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley ($85)

Notes of cured meats and beef broth tango with wild strawberry and coffee beans. Just-ripened black cherries show a sting of spice on the finish.

90

“CA Reserve” 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Sonoma Valley ($45)

Spiced plums and clove-kissed strawberries are accented by cedar and roasted coffee. Tannins are supple, but the spicy character lingers.

93

ACTA 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Battle Vineyard, Chalk Hill, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($95)

Dripping with cherry-covered licorice and seasoned with tobacco and bramble, it is held up with cedar and saddle leather. Robust yet supple, this limited production red was aged for 23 months in 55% new French oak. The Battle Vineyard sits at the southern end of the Alexander Valley, with ample sun exposure, and according to the winery, the site possesses ideal soil structure.

93

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($28)

While Cabernet Sauvignon leads the charge, the four other Bordeaux varieties are blended in, and the wine is aged in caves for 14 months. Bing cherries and cranberries are tart, with sweet tobacco and red tea. This is a well-priced, dignified red, with a woodsy finish amped by a fine acid structure.

94

As One Cru 2022 Pinot Noir, Stanly Ranch, Carneros Napa Valley ($50)

Savory and earthy, wispy notes of cigar leaf lingering on the palate, accompanied by fig and Porcini mushroom. Seasoned with exotic incense and black tea, it offers an extended finish of spiced cedar.

94

Belle Glos 2023 Dairyman Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($55)

Dense and tarry, with smashed black cherry and licorice taking the lead. A luxurious ride, with soy sauce, umami, and orange peel adding to a juicy finish, dotted with white pepper.

96

Belle Glos 2024 Clark & Telephone Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Co ($55)

Dark cherries soaked in chocolate sweeten the palate. The rich contour of the wine’s suede mouthfeel saturates with sweet tobacco, black strap molasses, raspberries, and hibiscus. A superb vintage.

95

BV 2023 “Bond 71” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($60)

A blend of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 4% Petite Sirah, and 3% other reds aged six months in 30% new French oak. Black raspberry, fennel, and dark chocolate are staged on a beefy platform. Tannins are sturdy yet supple, offering a gateway to graphite and cigar leaf. Luxurious, with juicy, ripe cassis on the finish.