GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Balverne Estate 2022 Forever Wild Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($45)

Aromas of wild strawberry and sweet earth are followed by notes of black cherries bathed in cinnamon and cardamom. A wispy mouthfeel indicates its delicate nature, charming the palate with a fine salinity and balanced acidity. Finishes with flavors of cocoa and walnut draped in ripe red berries.

93

Balverne Estate 2024 Forever Wild Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co ($24)

Aromas: Lanolin, watermelon, strawberries
Tangerine and strawberry are joyful notes, enveloped in crushed stone. Refreshing and clean, with floral tones that overlap a fruit-filled profile.

92

Balverne Estate 2024 Forever Wild Sauvignon Blanc, Chalk Hill, Sonoma Co. ($27)

Lemon cookie, nectarine, and just-squeezed lime fill the mouth. A veil of salty stone intercepts, along with a lively acidity, cleanses the palate. White peach blossoms add tonality to the citrusy finish.

92

Barra 2022 Reserve Petite Sirah, Mendocino ($28)

Creamy and dense, with crushed boysenberry, black tea, plum skins, and sweet tobacco. Juicy and joyful, its energy enforced by dry, cocoa-cherry tannins and enough acidity to maintain freshness.

96

Beau Vigne 2022 ‘Juliet’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($120)

An approachable beauty with backbone and depth, sophistication, and youthful glow, similar to Shakespeare’s tragic heroine. Notes of blueberry cream and vanilla cedar are in tune with gentle tannins. Its lingering finish and subtle spice are like the passionate fire that burns within her soul.

95

Beau Vigne 2022 ‘Romeo’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($120)

Concentrated, with bold tannins, black-peppered licorice, and an undertow of sweet soil and graphite. Tense and focused, with dark raspberry, blue floral tones, and black strap molasses creating a dense mid-palate. Age-worthy and delightfully drinkable now.

96

Belle Glos 2022 Eulenloch Pinot Noir, Napa Valley ($75)

Showing its muscles, this big, broad-shouldered Pinot Noir spreads generous notes of coffee, anise, graphite, and blackberry across the palate. Silky tannins allow dark chocolate to feel like its melting, revealing dried lavender on the finish. Intense luxury.

95

Belle Glos NV Méthode Champenoise Rosé, Russian River Valley ($70)

Aromas: Orange creamsicle, cantaloupe, almonds
Tangerine blossoms and meringue are instantly revealed, thanks to its soft, quickly dissipating bubbles. Light touches of oregano and s saline minerality offer dimension to this steely zero dosage sparkler.