GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Festivo 2023 Red Blend, Península de Setúbal, Portugal ($13)

A rich, ripe blend of 90% Castelão and 10% Alicante Bouschet, matured four months in French oak. Dried black fruit aromas and flavors are prominent, with fig, bittersweet dark chocolate, and black strap molasses. Spiced cedar enters mid-palate and soothes with a dark roast coffee finish.

91

FitVine Free Non-Alcoholic Power Red ($15)

Made from Petite Sirah juice from early harvested grapes. The beverage is infused with electrolytes and no added sugar, along with adaptogens such as magnesium, potassium, and ginseng. Ripe, sweet blueberry notes meld with vanilla for a refreshing quaff.

92

Fitvine Free Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé ($15)

Made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay verjus – the fresh juice from early harvested grapes – infused with electrolytes. We taste strawberry and watermelon, for a charming and refreshing bubbly sensation.

93

Frenzy 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Mount Richmond Estate, Marlborough, New Zealand, ($18)

A terrific Sauvignon Blanc, this harkens back to the days when Marlborough renditions burst onto the worldwide wine scene with very intense aromas and flavors with almost no buffering from residual sugar. The bouquet shows aromas of pink grapefruit above all, with a shot of fresh lime juice in the flavors. The acidity is pronounced but not overly tart. Wow – please pass the oysters.

92

Hall Ranch 2022 Zinfandel, Paso Robles ($25)

A most elegant Zin, with brambly sweet tobacco, red tea, and black raspberry ganache. Expressive and impressive, with round tannins and a spiced cedar finish.

90

Hall Ranch 2023 Red Blend, Paso Robles ($20)

Vibrant red and blue fruit with spiced oak and cinnamon. Juicy, with high-toned acidity.

92

Horton Vineyards 2023 Barrel Select Rkatsiteli, Orange County, VA ($37)

Horton has long been a leader among Virginia wineries thanks to experimentation with many grape, and got great results from Rkatsiteli, an excellent variety originating from the country of Georgia. Medium-bodied, it offers very pleasant notes recalling dried apricots and yellow melon with accents of honeycomb and orange zest.

94

J. Lohr 2023 Hilltop Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($35)

Dynamic, with bold black currant, chalky tannins, and a breezy acidity. Taste the soil and sunshine, with a backdrop of graphite, soy sauce, and the ripest of blackberry. Spending 16 months in French oak results in a seamless texture.