GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

96

Vidal-Fleury 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Rhône Valley, France ($75)

Spiced cherries tingle on the palate, thanks to a surge of white pepper and high-toned acidity, generating a grenadine quality to the fruit. With some grip and minerality, the focus here is cured meats, chocolate-boysenberry, and a streaming of fennel. Earth tones of sweet soil permeate the palate. The blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre is crafted from old vines on clay-rich soil surrounded by round stones and pebbles.

93

Vidal-Fleury 2021 Rhône Rouge, Rhône Valley, France ($20)

A silky and bright blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan. Dark plum is amped by a fine acid structure. Notes of coffee, bacon fat, black pepper, and rhubarb gelée are intricately staged between layers of sandalwood and tobacco.

94

Vidal-Fleury 2022 Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône Valley, France ($50)

This 100% Syrah from the Northern Rhône, with its iconic white pepper and aromas of incense and leather. Black plums have impact with gamy, savory notes of grilled meats, fig, and salty fig. Coffee and bramble go deep, with a brooding, spicy finish.

93

Vidal-Fleury 2023 Côtes du Rhone Blanc, Rhône Valley, France ($20)

A blend of 55% Grenache Blanc, 25% Clairette, and 20% Viognier, it is weighty on the palate, with an unctuous, peanut brittle creaminess. Thanks to balanced acidity, the richness of its apricot nectar viscosity is reined in, offering up a lovely wash of stone fruit. Mid-palate notes of tangerine peel and mango, along with a subtle herbaceous quality emerges, with a finish of orange blossom.

95

Viña Carmen 2023 Maria’s Legacy Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, D.O. Maipo, Chile ($25)

A silky entry, devised of dark chocolate, melting and seductive. Riper than the Gran Reserva Cab, with notes of succulent Luxardo cherry and sweet cedar. Tannins are dry and chalky, demonstrating backbone and upholding a vibrant, balanced acidity. The palate is soothed by a delicate demeanor, with elegance intact.

96

Viña Cobos 2022 Malbec, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina ($60)

Rich aromas of vanilla boysenberry lead to a sensational mouthfeel, saturated with black cherry cocoa and crushed hibiscus. Creamy, with a spiced, brambly tone, red tea leaves creating a unique texture. A most luxurious Malbec.

94

Viñedos de Sonsierra 2020 Viñedo Viejo, Rioja DOCa, Spain ($42)

This Spanish red has aromas of dill, fresh mint, dark cherries and a soupcon of hoisin. Spice forward, the peppery bitterness offers a perfect complement to food. Taut and balanced like a tight-rope artist, the tannins are muscular and the finish is savory.

94

Viñedos de Sonsierra 2023 Viñedo de Altura, Rioja DOCa, Spain ($40)

The brilliant ruby color cannot be ignored. The body is juicy, full and soft. The subtle floral notes succumb to the rich raspberry, plum and cherry with a hint of licorice. This Tempranillo is accessible yet contemplative