GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Bowman Cellars 2021 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley ($48)

Dark cherry, tobacco, sandalwood, and red plum leaving a lasting first impression. Penetrating earthiness prevails on mid-point with a layer of musk and wild strawberry. Packs a wallop of flavor; enjoyable and delicious.

91

Bread and Butter 2022 Reserve Pinot Noir Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($25)

Red fruit flavors like cherry and red currant with vibrant spices like cloves, white pepper, licorice, vanilla, and smoke. Ripe red fruit on the palate with charred wood, coconut, and coffee finish.

95

Caelesta 2020 Block 6 Syrah, Templeton Gap, Paso Robles ($75)

Grapey notes succumb to black-peppered black tea and dark chocolate. Rich and ripe, with licorice and earth punctuating salted, cured meats. Great expression of this variety from Paso’s cooler sub-district.

95

Caelesta 2020 Parallax, Templeton Gap, Paso Robles ($75)

Immediate silky entry, followed by tongue-drying, dusty tannins that accent red cherry and red plum. This blend of 40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 18% Mourvèdre displays unearthed blueberry, sweet tobacco, and vanilla-kissed cedar. A creamy licorice finish is inspirational.

89

Cannonball 2022 Chardonnay, California ($16)

Very well-made wine, youthful bright appearance, good intensity primary fruit notes, pear, pineapple, citrus and stone fruit notes, medium bodied, smooth, polished style with just a bit of oak influence to introduce some added interest. Partial malolactic and lees stirring adds a rounded textural component.

91

Carmen 2023 Frida Kahlo Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle Central Chile ($15)

Black tea, chocolate graham cracker, and lavender spill forth in a flow of supple tannins. Big, robust notes of plum and back currant are gentled on the silky finish.

93

Carpineto 2021 Dogajolo, Tuscany IGT, Italy ($16)

An outstanding, affordable blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon would be perfect for a by-the-glass for lovers of Super Tuscans. Grapes are grown on dry-farmed hillside vineyards on the Carpineto estate. Tart cherry, plum, and lavender lead on nose and palate. Italian herbs season plush tannins. Delightful.

93

Cesari Jùsto 2020 Veneto IGT Rosso, Italy ($15)

Ripe fruit aromas of cherry and plum, plus a touch of fig from the light drying (appassimento style) of the grapes for 20 days. The blend of 60% Corvina and 40% Merlot shows flavors of cloves, black pepper, and lavender adding to the nice balance of acidity, tannins, and fruit.