GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

90

VINO 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington ($13)

A blend of 77% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Sangiovese. Spiced cedar and ripe dark cherry are intense and expressive. Chalky tannins address a graphite-toned foundation, with hints of clove, cigar leaf, and dried violets.

91

VINO 2022 Pinot Grigio, Evergreen Vineyard, Columbia Valley, WA ($13)

Minerality underscores precious notes of Key lime and summer pear. Expressive floral tones gather on the powered vanilla finish. What a great value!

89

VINO 2023 Rosé of Sangiovese, Columbia Valley, WA ($13)

White-peppered cherries carry a garden of Italian herbs to the sleek and clean finish.

93

Wairau River 2024 Pinot Gris, Marlborough, New Zealand ($18)

Apricots and peach blossoms are luscious, and blessed with a bounty of fresh acidity, this wine comes alive.

93

Wairau River 2024 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($22)

Sweet basil, pineapple, and vanilla-kissed grapefruit are sensational aromas leading to a zippy entry of steely lemon zest. Grassy notes enter mid-palate with acidity and minerality enveloping the mouth at a fierce pace. Lively and refreshing.

93

Wairau River 2024 Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($22)

Sweet basil, pineapple, and vanilla-kissed grapefruit are sensational aromas leading to a zippy entry of steely lemon zest. Grassy notes enter mid-palate with acidity and minerality enveloping the mouth at a fierce pace. Lively and refreshing.

92

Wairau River 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ($18)

The aromas are eye-opening, with dill, fresh marine air, and sliced pineapple. Salinity and a keen acidity perk up notes of melon, guava, and sweet basil. Lemon blossom leaves a lasting impression with a vanilla-peach finish.

93

Weinkellerei Hechtsheim 2024 Count Karolyi Grüner Veltliner, Hungary ($20)

Grüner Veltliner is much more commonly associated with Austria than Hungary, but this excellent rendition indicates that the latter country can produce delicious examples. This is a bit riper and rounder in texture than most Austrian Grüners, but very well-balanced acidity and a bit of the variety’s white pepper bite provide very nice counterpoints to the wine’s delicious fruit.