GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Château La Nerthe 2025 Les Cassagnes, Côte-du-Rhône Rosé, Rhône Valley, France ($22)

Dusted rose petals, watermelon, hibiscus, and shattered white cherries are distinctively alluring. Bright and shiny, its mineral tones a banner waving in the salty breeze.

94

Château La Nerthe 2025 Prieuré de Montézargues, Appellation Tavel Côntrolée, Rhône Valley, France ($26)

This rosé offers a perfume of rose petals steeped in Pekoe tea. Melting vanilla bean crosses the palate, with strawberries and an ever-so-light sensation of whipped cream. Beautifully balanced acidity augmenting a dashing, dramatic exit.

90

Chloe 2025 Alcohol-Removed Pinot Grigio, CA ($15)

Tart green apple and lime chiffon connect with racy acidity for a bright, shiny sipper.

93

Chronic Cellars 2021 “Sofa King Bueno” Red Blend, Paso Robles ($22)

Mouth-puckering notes of red cherry, sweet tobacco, and red tea come together for a vibrant blend of 50% Syrah, 30% Petite Sirah, 11% Grenache, 5% Tempranillo, and 4% Mourvèdre. Glistening white pepper adds zing to the finish.

92

Chronic Cellars 2023 “Sir Real” Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($17)

Chocolate-covered cherries and sweet tobacco are layered with concentrated charm. Coffee notes linger on the supple finish.

98

Clarice 2024 Pinot Noir, Garys’ Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County ($98)

This French-oak aged beauty hails from the region’s famed vineyard, crafted by Adam Lee. It’s a perfumed masterpiece with scents of rose petals kissed by milk chocolate. Cardamom-spiced cranberries and Rooibos tea are just some of the exotic mosaic pieces that perk up the palate. Complex and riveting.

92

Cooper & Oak 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Hills, Lake County ($19)

A mineral-driven red, with a firm grip and a bit of tension. Dynamic notes of cigar leaf, plum, and mocha are well-balanced with an innate acid structure.

93

Cooper & Thief x Larceny 2023 Red Blend, Napa Valley ($35)

Spending two months in Larceny Bourbon barrels, and coming in at 16 percent abv, offers a dense and spicy red blend, with caramel-espresso intrigue. Dried violets, walnuts, cloves, and crushed, ripe blackberries unfold with a velvety mouthfeel with the warmth of bourbon.