GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Just Enough Wines 2023 Rosé, Central Coast, CA ($7)

Sustainably packaged in a 250 ml can, notes of watermelon, rose petals are fresh, with a dry mouthfeel, thanks to a stony minerality. Spiced orange peel and pomegranate add dimension.

90

Keepa Red Blend, Chile ($10)

At only 13% abv, this fruit-forward blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Carmenère, and 10% Merlot shows a ton of class. Ripe cherry and plum tangle with Mediterranean herbs for added dimension. Juicy and delicious and a serious overachiever at this price point.

95

Korde Blanco by Pinea 2022-2023, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($90)

From the region’s lesser-known white grape – Albillo – and small percentages of other indigenous grapes, this stunning wine is a blend of two consecutive vintages. The first vintage (2022) is aged for 12 months in French oak and then blended with the 2023, which ferments in on the lees for six more months. Well structured, clean, and lean, with stark minerality. Notes of peanut brittle, chamomile, jasmine, and lemon blossom shine through.

95

Korde Blanco by Pinea 2022-2023, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($90)

From the region’s lesser-known white grape – Albillo – and small percentages of other indigenous grapes, this stunning wine is a blend of two consecutive vintages. The first vintage (2022) is aged for 12 months in French oak and then blended with the 2023, which ferments in on the lees for six more months. Well structured, clean, and lean, with stark minerality. Notes of peanut brittle, chamomile, jasmine, and lemon blossom shine through.

93

Korde by Pinea 2022 Rosé, Ribera del Duero, Spain ($60)

Also referred to as a Clarete in Spain, this 100% Tempranillo hails from the winery’s Cardisanto Vineyard at an elevation reaching three thousand feet in sandy limestone soils. The chalky mouthfeel is apparent, as is the wine’s inner light. It’s a heady, dark-skinned rosé, leaning into pomegranate, cranberry, and red tea tannins. It maintains freshness to the finish.

97

Korde by Pinea 2022 Tinto, Ribera Del Duero, Spain ($75)

A restrained, fresh, and graceful 100% Tempranillo sourced from a century-old vineyard on clay-limestone soils and aged in 500-liter barrels. Chalky mineral tones influence the brightness of strawberry and cranberry. The flavors and mouthfeel are pure and lean, carrying high-toned acidity and enough structure to maintain an outgoing, energetic persona.
WineSmith Company, Atlanta

91

Leefield Station 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($17)

Floral meets citrus meets an herbal garden. This is a stellar Sauv Blanc wherein grapefruit and lime blossom are clear cut and precise notes, amped by a taut acidity. The finish treats the palate to white flowers and sweet basil.

89

Les Jamelles 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Languedoc France ($15)

Herbal notes surround peach blossoms and soft lime chiffon. Delicate, with pear tart mid-palate amped by a fine acidity.