GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Clif Family Winery 2023 RTE Blanc Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($30)

Organically farmed grapes from the winery’s Valle Di Sotto Estates Vineyard in the Oak Knoll District. Key lime perfumes the glass. On the palate, tarragon-seasoned lime and salty toffee are standout flavors. Crisp and bright, with herbal, grassy notes that awaken the senses.

94

Clif Family Winery 2023 Unoaked Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($38)

Aged in 100% stainless steel barrels for four months, this organically farmed Chardonnay rides in with honeyed lemon drop and rosemary-scented lime sorbet. Although acidity is taut, the juice glides along the palate with a sublime mouthfeel. Its crisp finish delivers a stony kiss.

96

Concha y Toro 2022 Terrunyo Carmenère, Peumo Vineyard, Cachapoal Valley, Chile ($55)

This is a superb wine. Expressive but not pushy aromas include fresh dark berries, subtle oak spice, and the faintest whiff of wild herbs. Rich and deeply flavored, with fresh notes of black currants and blackberries with an undertone of cocoa powder, this is complex but convincingly coherent at once.

94

Concha y Toro 2023 Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc, Los Boldos Vineyard, Casablanca Valley, Chile ($30)

Markey by vivid varietal character on the citrusy side of the Sauv Blanc spectrum, this displays expressive aromas of dried herbs, freshly cut limes, and pink grapefruit. These fruit notes are echoed on the palate, with mineral undertones and energetic acidity. Impressively flavorful and satisfying for a wine with only 11.5% stated alcohol.

92

Cooper & Thief Bourbon barrel-aged 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($30)

Boysenberry tart and espresso-laden cake are the delicious results of aging three months in bourbon barrels. Black cherry and walnut go deep, with resounding notes of chocolate and cedar.

95

Croma Vera 2023 Albariño, San Luis Obispo Coast, CA ($32)

A compelling Albariño that extends a youthful appearance and wonderfully expressive aromas. Notes of apricot, peach, and citrus are lifted and captivating. Full bodied, appealing textural component from lees aging, perfectly balanced, layered and nuanced with superb length on the finish. A beautiful wine from start to finish.

89

Crowded House 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand $13)

Neither as pungent nor as tart as many renditions of Marlborough Sauvignon, this still packs a lot of character and is unmistakable in relation to its region of origin. Aromas and flavors akin to pink grapefruit along with freshly sliced lime drive the wine’s overall impression, with a balance of fruity sweetness and zesty acidity that should prove broadly popular.

95

Cusumano 2019 NOÀ, Sicily DOC, Italy ($55)

A super-Sicilian blend of Nero d’Avola, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot that offers a velvet-lined mouthfeel, stirring the senses with structure and grace. Black currant, dark chocolate, and orange bitters are emboldened within a cool, muscular graphite frame. Notes of black olive and soy sauce glide along the fleshy finish line.