GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Cusumano 2022 Benuara, Sicily DOC, Italy ($23)

This is a vivacious blend of 70% Nero d’Avola and 30% Syrah. Grainy tannins are beautifully textured: a combination of dark chocolate-lathered suede. A rush of boysenberry truffle melts across the palate. Acidity remains steady, with high-profile freshness.

93

Dancing Crow Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay, Mendocino, CA ($30)

This is an unoaked Chardonnay and is significantly more complex than other wines of its type. It shows alluring floral aromas and expressive fruit flavors akin to nicely ripened pears and Golden Delicious apples. Indisputably delectable in a flavorful but pure style that makes this highly versatile.

94

Dancing Crow Vineyards 2023 Zinfandel, North Coast, CA ($30)

The vast majority of this Zinfandel blend comes from vines planted in the 1950s in the cool Calpella area of Mendocino County, and a cool growing season in 2023 also contributed to even ripening and a pure, impeccably balanced character in this Zin. Fresh but also very flavorful, this is a classy wine.

93

Dial Tone 2022 Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County ($23)

Rose petals, cinnamon-sparked strawberry and red tea capture the palate with a perky acidity. Juicy, feminine, and precise lip-smacker.

90

District 7 – 2023 Chardonnay, Monterey ($16)

Pale, youthful color, pleasant, lifted pear and green apple notes with a good touch of vanilla and smoky oak. Medium full on the palate, ripe, creamy character with fresh acidity, quite enjoyable with good fruit purity and freshness. Lengthy impression on the back palate. 35% of the wine was aged in new oak for eight months.

95

Dolum Estates 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Cask #3, Oakville, Napa Valley ($140)

There’s an immediate gratification of ripe cherry, milk chocolate, and red licorice. Juicy, with prominent notes of salted cranberry, spiced by briar and cinnamon. Tannins are supple and easily guide the fruit along the palate.

97

Domaine Della 2022 “4 Amours,” Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($150)

Opens with boysenberry and Mediterranean scrub aromas. Savory and spicy, while bright acidity lights it up from within. Clove, red tea, rosemary, Morello cherries, and red beets converge in a maelstrom of flavors. Finishes with a wash of cinnamon toast and wild strawberries.

93

Duck Pond 2022 Pinot Noir Natural Path Reserve, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($25)

Dark cherry abounds on the nose and palate with an earthy backbone. This Pinot is lifted, muscular and evocative of a rotisserie with hints of smoke, herbs and peppery spices alongside fresh-from-the-vine strawberries.