GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

90

Franzia NV Chardonnay, 5L Box ($23)

A gentle caress of lemon sorbet and caramel apple is appealing. The box is recyclable and it is comparable to 6.7 bottles of 750 ml. wine.

91

Franzia NV Pinot Noir, 5L Box ($23)

This five-liter box is equivalent to 34 five-ounce glasses. The wine deserves to be in this report, its warming spices and ripe strawberry-vanilla notes well-balanced and delicious. The mouthfeel is soothing.

95

Golden Archer 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($49)

Sumptuous and elegant, with a tempered sheen. Plum and cassis gather around gentle, round tannins, exposing its behind-the-scenes prowess. It shows a capacity to evolve with ever-ripening notes of black cherry, sweet tobacco, and mocha-cedar. Power in check with finesse.

92

Grand Napa Vineyards 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($45)

Very pale in the glass, this is a quite restrained, refined take on a notoriously pungent variety. Though it clocks in at 14.1% ABV, it’s light and fresh from start to finish, moving nimbly from subtle aromas of key lime, pineapple, and Asian pear to flavors of lemon, kiwi, and lemongrass accented by cool notes of cucumber peel and nettle toward the finish.

93

Growers by Isabel Estate 2025 Common Vine Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ($22)

This splendid example of the Marlborough style, sourced from a single vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, shines with aromas and flavors of grapefruit, lime, and pepino melon accented by arugula and sea salt. Slightly spicy yet seamlessly integrated acidity highlights its crystalline character.

93

Guinigi 2025 Pinot Grigio, D.O.C. Delle Venezie, Italy ($14)

Salty and crisp, with acidity that thrills and trills. Summer pear steeped in basil and lemon sorbet are in sharp focus.

94

Harvey & Harriet 2024 White Blend, San Luis Obispo County ($22)

A luscious blend of 42% Chenin Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, with some Albariño and Viognier, aged eight months in 25% new French oak. Honeycomb and pear tart create a sensational flavor duo and mouthfeel, with stunning acidity. Undertones of graham cracker crust engage the palate, along with seductive tropical fruit and a wisp of mint and laurel.

96

Hawk & Horse 2023 Cabernet Franc, Red Hills AVA, Lake County ($65)

Cab Franc grown on rocky soils at an elevation of 2,200 feet has quite the impact. Focused, with melting dark chocolate cherries, roasted coffee, blackberries, layered with candied violets. The palate is long, with exquisitely balanced tannins and a fine mineral tonality on the clean finish.