GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Wente Family Vineyards 2025 Riva Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, Livermore ($24)

Aromas of powdered vanilla and honeysuckle are mirrored on the palate. Pineapple and papaya are lyrical. Poetic and effortless, with a choreography of fresh citrus, minerality and gracefully vivid acidity.

93

Franc BeauSéjour 2022 Paulliac, Bordeaux, France ($55)

A soft, generous, approachable Pauillac from the 2022 vintage, blending 67% Merlot with 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, showing a velvety-silky, full-bodied wine rich in boysenberry fruit, muddled black cherries, dark loamy earth, dried sage, mint, and a graphite mineral-scented finish.

95

Salvestrin 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($70)

This 2022 Salvestrin is truly remarkable, given the vintage’s challenging heat. It’s fresh, inviting, with levity and generosity, fine, silky tannins, elegant red and black berry fruit with minty nuances, notes of sage, graphite, and blood orange acidity, through a fresh, inviting, mineral-scented finish.

92

Te Awanga Estate 2023 Wildsong Sauvignon Blanc, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand ($25)

Sauvignon Blanc lovers are going to revel in this wine’s bright, fragrant notes of ocean sea grass, kiwi, and spicy jalapeño oil that lift from the glass. Fizzy, zippy acidity creates an electric palate expression, building with lemon-lime character and underripe pineapple notes through the tart acid finish.

91

Araciel 2024 Albariño, Haribach V. Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara Co. ($30)

Beeswax, baked apple, sandalwood, and pineapple upsidedown cake lend a unique touch to this variety. Its leesy mouthfeel offers a nectar-like character.

94

Belle Glos 2024 Dairyman Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($55)

Crushed black cherries swim in melted milk chocolate. Its dense mouthfeel is freed from being jammy thanks to a bright, sun-kissed acidity. A hint of thyme and candied violets are a lovely treat that sets this red apart.

93

Böen 2024 Belle Glos Pinot Noir, Tri County ($25)

Fruit is sourced from Monterey Co (49%), Santa Barbara Co (31%) and Sonoma Co (20%). Rich, inviting notes of smashed boysenberries, cinnamon-vanilla, and cedar meld with beautifully balanced acidity. It’s fresh tasting, with a prickly, white pepper finish.

98

Chateau Margene 2023 Beau Mélange, Creston District, Paso Robles ($200)

Violets abound, with underlying spearmint, crushed plums, and plum skins. Holy moly, this is a dynamic red – a blend of 38% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Cabernet Franc, 14% Merlot, and 11% Malbec. Sun-drenched, with reined-in muscle.