GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

ASV Wines 2020 Verraco Ridge Pinot Noir, Monterey County ($20)

Brushy, with tobacco and earth, make for a savory red in a juicy frame. Satisfying on the palate, this is a charmer with a great price point. Wild strawberry and a hint of mocha integrate well on the toasty finish.

90

ASV Wines 2022 Montoya Rose, Monterey County ($20)

An onion-skin hued rosé of Grenache with a salty flair. White raspberry, Asian pear, and tangerine are highlight flavors. Crisp and clean.

94

Atlas Peak Vinyeards 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($50)

Elegance and poise are present in this velvet-lined red. Plum and jasmine are perfectly paired, with just a dot of white pepper and slate to maintain texture and energize the palate.

92

Babylonstoren 2020 Soetmelksvle Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Cape, South Africa ($16)

Blessed with high-toned acidity, a rush of mocha-blueberry makes for an impressive mouthfeel. Lavender leaps into the fray mid-point, disarming the senses and regaling an elegant finish.

90

Babylonstoren 2023 Chenin Blanc, Simonsberg-Paarl South Africa ($17)

Delicate notes of linen and lemon sorbet, with a hint of thyme. Crisp and clean, with a powdered vanilla-pineapple finish.

95

Baldacci Family Vineyards 2021 Elizabeth Pinot Noir, Carneros, Napa ($65)

Ripe, big-bodied, and elegant, with a fierce, natural beauty. Glossy on the palate, with earthy underpinnings, this well-tailored red offers mouth-filling flavors of soy sauce, basil, and rosemary. The spicy, woodsy finish is streamlined

96

Baldacci Family Vineyards 2021 Fraternity Red Wine Blend, Napa Valley ($85)

Bold, dusty notes of plum skin, slate, new leather, and blackberry preserves masterfully spread across the mouth. Acidity is notably keen, allowing the powdered tannins to texturize the palate. A pedigreed red.

94

Barra 2020 Reserve Petite Sirah, Mendocin0 ($28)

Lush, teeth-coating red, with lacquered notes of boysenberry and melted chocolate. Dusty, cherry-skin tannins do not detract from the well-structured, sheeny finish.