GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

96

Frisson 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa Valley ($125)

Intensity defined, with teeth-grabbing plum skin tannins. Espresso and dark chocolate dominate, with slate not far behind. We have here a balance of power and beauty.

91

Gary Farrell 2021 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($40)

Pale yellow color, wonderfully expressive aromatics, stone fruit, melon, citrus zest and roasted nut notes that carry through to the palate, good weight with very well integrated oak, vanilla, the wine is round and polished, with volume, yet it retains a fresh vibrancy, there’s an interesting, nuanced layering that evolves nicely with time.

93

Gary Farrell 2021 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Cty. ($50)

Medium deep core, slight fade at the edge of the glass, positive intensity aromatics with both breadth and range, dried rose petal, tart cherry, pomegranate, Asian five spice notes, and integrated oak. Quite an elegant and refined style, with ample presence, and sound acidity to bring lift to the palate. Ultra smooth with a long finish. Sourced from a range of prime vineyard sites.

92

Geyser Peak 2020 Walking Tree Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County ($30)

Richly textured, with plush tannins. Dark red and blue berries feel plump on the palate. The sleek liquid is enhanced by mocha and saddle leather. Cedar and sweet tobacco weave a well-tailored finish.

96

Grieve Family 2021 Double Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($225)

Winemakers Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitsky have created a youthful, athletic wine. Chewy tannins are unrestrained, with a glossy nature that sets a steady pace across the palate. Rich, ripe notes of boysenberry and black plum merge with black peppercorn and grainy, bittersweet chocolate.

96

Guarachi 2021 Pinot Noir, Sun Chase Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($75)

This wine displays texture with a regal presence. A suede mouthfeel is prickled by white peppered strawberry. Beet root and coffee bean emerge through a core of wet stone, for a finish that romances the palate.

95

Guarachi Family Vineyards 2021 Pinot Noir, Fern Creek Vineyard, Willamette Valley, Oregon ($60)

Steeped in red tea, wild strawberry, and cinnamon, this elegantly crafted Pinot Noir elegantly displays an earthy persona. Aged 12 months in French oak its juicy flow has a prolonged finish of violets and stoney minerality.

93

Guinigi 2018 Barolo DOCG, Piedmont, Italy ($58)

Matured in French oak for 24 months, subtle notes of rose petals and Rooibos tea have a soft, drying effect on the palate. Charming, with racy acidity, accents of mint, sage, and cigar box add to the tannic mouthfeel, with cherry and cherry pith notes rising to the surface. Complex with a notable delicacy.