GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Grand Napa Vineyards 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Napa Valley ($110)

Aromas of Bergamot, fennel, and blackberry lead to a wave of brambly cedar, black pepper, and dusty lavender. Sturdy tannins show off its bold character.

90

Granite Hill 2022 Chardonnay, Lodi ($15)

Just as the fragrance of green apple is rounded out by vanilla, creamed corn, and jasmine, so the medium-weight palate is balanced between sound acidity and a toasty finish, refreshed by a dollop of lemon sorbet.

97

Guarachi Family Wines 2022 “G” by Guarachi, Meadowrock Estate, Napa Valley ($90)

A 100% estate bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, with some Malbec and Petit Verdot. Austere at first sip, but impressively generous as it opens up. Chewy tannins feature a dusting of cherry pith and cocoa, while minerality plays a textural role within its firm structure. It finishes with oregano-soaked cedar and black plum with a long finish.

96

Guarachi Family Wines 2022 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($60)

From Guarachi’s Sun Chase Vineyard, this Dijon clone Pinot Noir made us gasp. Lavender-infused plum melts across the mouth while cocoa and brushy notes linger. White pepper matches wits with acidity, revealing black cherry liqueur. Exquisite.

98

Guarachi Family Wines 2023 Pinot Noir, Sun Chase Vineyard, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($75)

The maritime climate of the Sonoma Coast, known for its cooling winds, along with the steep, 1,400-foot elevation of this coveted vineyard – the highest in the Petaluma Gap AVA where it is situated, created an ideal environment for crafting this stellar three-clone Pinot Noir. Black fruit, fennel, and sandalwood feels glossy as it settles on the palate. Black cherries and Worcestershire perform a duet, savory and deep. The balance of low and high notes, acidity, minerality, and inner strength, makes the finish of chocolate-covered rose petals more noteworthy.

91

Guinigi 2023 Pinot Grigio, D.O.C. Delle Venezie, Italy ($14)

Aromas: Honeysuckle, vanilla, blue flowers.
Matured on the lees, notes of lemon-dressed candle wax, peach, and honeysuckle converge for a juicy, expressive Pinot Grigio. Apple tart connects with wet stone and bright acidity for a refreshingly clean finish.

95

Hamel 2020 Stratum Red Wine, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County ($60)

From the western slopes of the Mayacamas, volcanic soils of rhyolitic colluvium and fractured basalt play an integral role in shaping the character of this estate blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot. Seamless, luscious, and broad, with suede tannins capturing ripe red cherry and cinnamon tea. A dusty cocoa-plum profile exudes pulchritude and charm.

96

Handpicked Wines 2021 Wombat Creek Single Vineyard Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia ($75)

A cacophony of cherries and sweet cinnamon, this light and airy red possesses a gem-like, mineral taste. The combination of its fruity, savory, and floral characteristics is memorable. It finishes with cigar leaf, rose petals, and a rush of raspberries.