GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

96

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Meredith Estate, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($100)

Focused and tense, with floral refinement and racy acidity. Plum and cherry notes are accented by white pepper and sandalwood. Umami notes settle on the finish with a pleasing salinity.

95

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($60)

Concentrated and earthy, with black tea and plum blossoms riding along on silky tannins. Tobacco, dried lavender, and persimmon create a complex network of flavors.

93

Merry Edwards 2024 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County ($50)

Aged sur lie for six months in (15% new) French oak, this is a fleshy, succulent expression of its variety. Following self-possessed aromas of grapefruit blossom and pear subtly flecked with slivered almond and fresh-cut grass, it positively springs to life on the palate, where ripe apricot, mango, and star fruit plus a dash of white pepper show staying power.

96

Napa Bridge 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, Napa ($99)

With mountain intensity, this red maintains an impeccably balanced nature, with streamlined dark fruit, cedar, and plush tannins. Black cherries dipped in dark chocolate are seductive and gloss over the palate, encouraged by an innate, vibrant acid structure.

94

Octopoda 2024 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co ($30)

Round bodied, with plush notes of mocha-plum and boysenberry. A dash of black pepper, sweet soil, and fine-tuned acidity are focused and well balanced.

92

Old Winery Road 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County/Napa Valley ($35)

Dynamic, with cooling notes of graphite and espresso, and deep expressive oak tones. Blackberry and plum are ripe and sink into a wave of savory tones of soy sauce and new leather. Muscular and approachable.

92

Old Winery Road 2023 Red Wine, Napa Valley ($35)

Sourced from a selection of Napa Valley’s AVAs, with an emphasis on Los Carneros, this blend of 39% Merlot, 35% Malbec, 13% Petite Sirah, 10% Petit Verdot and a fraction of other varieties show structure and depth. Broad strokes of black cherry, blackberry, and white-peppered cocoa sidle alongside plush tannins. Well structured, with a finish of violets and sandalwood.

93

Old Winery Road 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($28)

Crisp and zesty, with Meyer lemon, dried basil, and green apple. A hint of crushed stone leaves a long, flattering finish of honeysuckle and salted pear.