GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Le Garenne 2023 Pinot Noir, IGP Loire Valley ($16)

A confluence of parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme – the flavors are complex and seamless. Fresh strawberries and feral florals with a touch of cranberry compote are a prelude to a kiss of lingering bitterness. Expressive yet refined, this would easily complement a hearty meal or spirited conversation.

92

Le Garenne 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, IGP Loire Valley ($16)

Elegant and lithe, the flavors of apricot, fresh peach, and melon caper nimbly throughout the palate. White florals meet fresh Provençal herbs with a hint of grass on the nose. This wine is a paragon of delicate freshness with no shortage of personality.

91

Leese-Fitch 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($15)

Juicy and ripe, with small additions of Petite Sirah, Teroldego, and Tempranillo for personality-plus. This is an approachable red that shows its dynamic soul through roasted coffee, a pinch of black pepper, and lush tannins.

91

Leese-Fitch 2022 Chardonnay, California ($15)

Primarily sourced fruit from Lodi, with remaining grapes from the Sonoma Valley, this beautifully balanced Chardonnay comes in at 13.5% abv. The palate is drawn in by spiced lemon verbena, while a creamy vanilla undertone washes over honeyed pears.

94

Merriam 2022 Eastside Estate Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($56)

Chiaroscuro comes to mind: The interplay of bright and darker aromas and flavors in this estate-grown single-vineyard Pinot ranges from cranberry and sour cherry to mocha and smoky pepper to hints of cola and sun-dried tomato. Though light on its feet thanks to mellifluous tannins, it’s not without depth as it conveys a touch of soil on the finish.

92

Merriam 2023 Rosé of Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($30)

A sun-drenched nose of watermelon, cantaloupe, and red apple comes dappled with cooling flecks of grapefruit rind and basil. Ripe, jazzy acidity likewise effortlessly balances the softly mouth-filling texture of this charming rosé, whose burst of strawberry on the midpalate gives way to a rose-strewn finish.

93

Merriam 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($30)

Fragrances of candied grapefruit, key lime pie, and linden flower set a stylish tone for this estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc, whose crisply acidic notes of star fruit and green apple counterpoint the suppleness of its pear overtones. A nice hint of matcha and citrus peel ties them all together on the finish.

95

Meyye Wines 2021 Omay Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma County ($75)

Omay is the Coast Miwok tribe name for the Brown Pelican, the wine crafted from native American winery owner/winemaker Rob Campbell a. The grapes are grown on the Sangiacomo Family Vineyard’s Roberts Road. Earth tones are the foundation for cocoa-cherry and coffee-bean flavors. Brilliant and focused, this is a luxurious Pinot Noir with a silky mouthfeel. Sweet tobacco, red beets, and plum come across the graceful, violet-inspired finish.