GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

Carmen Gran Reserva 2023 Single Vineyard Cabernet Franc, D.O. Colchagua, Chile ($18)

Cassis and black raspberry are seasoned with sage and lavender. Vivid notes of tobacco, espresso, and charred cedar surround luscious notes of mulberry.

91

Carmen Gran Reserva 2023 Single Vineyard Carignan, Maule Valley, Chile ($18)

Juicy, with rhubarb and pomegranate, rose petals, and red tea. Plum skin tannins and a bounty of Mediterranean herbs are textural, adding body to the silky finish.

91

Carmen Gran Reserva 2023 Single Vineyard Chardonnay, D.O. Limari, Chile ($18)

Mineral tones spark flavors of peach and lemon blossom. Steely and clean, with green apple tartness. Aged on the lees for 10 months.

93

Carmen Gran Reserva 2024 Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, D.O. Casablanca, Chile ($18)

Aromas: Honeyed peach & lemongrass
Opening of glistening, ripe pineapple and sunshine-kissed honey. Frisky mouthfeel, with bright notes of lemon verbena, gooseberry, and tropical flowers. Brilliant acidity complements the fresh finish.

91

Cedar + Salmon 2024 Pinot Gris, Willamette Valley, OR ($25)

Brisk acidity is enhanced by lime, Granny Smith apple, and peach blossom. Candied ginger lingers on the crisp finish.

94

Centennial Mountain 2021 Carricante, Sonoma County ($49)

Aromas: Thyme, lime chiffon, Delicious apple
Carricante, native to Sicily’s Mount Etna, shines brightly here, thanks to this winery dedicating itself to some unique Italian varieties. The vineyard sits 2,000 feet above sea level, organically farmed, with Biodynamic practices. Whole cluster pressed and stirred two times a month for 12 months with four months in stainless steel, the mouthfeel is leesy. Notes of cookie batter, sunflower petals, and lemon sorbet are impressive clean cut. Stony notes are coated with vanilla crème, seasoned with salty pears and thyme-kissed papaya. Perfectly balanced acidity strikes the right notes.

95

Centennial Mountain 2021 Nebbiolo, Sonoma County ($79)

Aromas of orange peel and plumeria are attention-grabbing. Dry and dusty, taut, and filled with tension, notes of cranberry, violets, and cherry skin line the mouth. A big bold statement, and thanks to its silky tannins and old-world style acidity, it becomes a most food-friendly red. Organically dry-farmed, with Biodynamic practices on a high-altitude vineyard that sits on clay weathered from metamorphic Franciscan shale and schist.

95

Centennial Mountain 2021 Nerello Mascalese, Sonoma County ($59)

A dusty grip on the tongue, with powdered tannins, and a nod to the old-world acidity that addresses its resemblance to its Italian cousin: Mount Etna’s volcanic soils in Sicily. White pepper, Mediterranean herbs, and umami are flavors that romance the palate. Expressive and expansive notes of dark red cherry on the finish.