GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

MacRostie Rosé of Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($32)

Aromas: Persimmon, cinnamon, peony
Ranier cherries, watermelon, and lanolin are delicate, bracing notes. There’s a connection to slate and dried rose petals that add texture. A juicy wake-up call at mid-point reflects some tension and verve.

91

Maris 2024 Rose, Languedoc Roussillon, France ($19)

Aromas: raspberry, lemon flowers
Produced with organic grapes, this blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah leverages biodynamic viticulture, horse-powered plowing, and a range of other eco-friendly initiatives to produce this juicy wine. Flavors of red berry fruit, springtime blossoms, and a savory spine of minerality zip along with freshness and energy.

95

Markham Vineyards 2021 Merlot, Little Cannon Vineyard, Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley ($72)

An estate grown Merlot with marine influence from the San Pablo Bay, cooling down any over-ripeness and bringing out more savory tones. Aromas of tobacco and underbrush are accented with deep, concentrated black cherry. Orange peel, pine, and cinnamon stick aligns with velvet tannins. This is a fearless Merlot from the winery’s Marked Parcel Series.

97

Markham Vineyards 2022 Blue Boots red Blend, Calistoga, Napa Valley ($75)

With the reimagining of Markham Vineyards since 2018 when it celebrated its 40th Anniversary, Winemaker Kimberlee Nicholls has established a District Series, and named this wine for the blue cowboy boots she wears during harvest. She chose Calistoga for this blend of 63% Cabernet Sauvignon and 37% Merlot from the winery’s 72-acre Rockerbox Estate Vineyard. Aged 18 months in French oak with 28 days of skin contact, it imparts one of the most precious, satin-lined mouthfeels of sun-ripened black raspberry. A dot of white pepper zings on toasty oak, adding to the pureness of cherry jam and wet stone on the finish.

93

Markham Vineyards 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($23)

Aromas: Lemon chiffon, gardenia, and wet stone
Kimberlee Nicholls has been crafting wines at Markham since 1993, and this vintage of her 98% stainless steel fermented Sauv Blanc combines three Napa Valley AVAs: Oak Knoll, St. Helena, and other sites within Napa Valley. A pinch of salty wet stone excites notes of lemon meringue and honeyed grapefruit. Vivid, crisp, and steely.

93

Matanzas Creek 2022 Merlot, Alexander Valley, Sonoma Cty. ($50)

Flavors of German chocolate cake is dressed in an explosion of dark, ripe cherries in a creamy base. White pepper plays into its elegant profile, unveiling notes of cinnamon toast and roasted coffee.

96

Merry Edwards 2022 25th Anniversary Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($120)

Grown during the winery’s 25th vintage when, in 1997, Merry Edwards launched her namesake label, this wine is a celebration of time, effort, and success. Grapes were sourced from selected lots from the region’s most acclaimed sites. The liquid makes a magnificent entry, amped by a perfume of salted meats, spiced plum, and root beer. Plush, juicy, and generous in its delivery of orange peel, red licorice, summer cherries, milk chocolate, and Rooibos tea.

96

Merry Edwards 2022 Pinot Noir, Richaven Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($80)

In the Sebastopol area of Russian River Valley, Merry and her husband Ken purchased a home on a 23-acre property with a hillside facing the ocean, just seven miles to the west. Coastal morning fog and well-drained Goldridge soils result in notes of fresh earth, plum liqueur, and tart boysenberry. Cranberry and rhubarb are succulent: whipped, light, and airy on the palate. White pepper lights up with a fresh acidity and superb structure.