GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

Bellacana Vineyards 2019 Block 13 Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County ($85)

Medium deep color core, with some fade at the rim of the glass, excellent aromatic intensity, displays a very nice purity of fruit character, blackberry, dark fruit, mocha, and well-integrated oak. Good structure, yet well balanced, with no alcohol heat even though it’s at 14.5 percent. A round, polished, plush style; bright acidity forms the backbone of the wine with good length and a soft finish. Characteristic of high-quality valley floor fruit.

94

Belle Glos 2022 Dairyman Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($55)

Dried rose petals are seductive, with milk chocolate blueberry. Pomegranate and white pepper are uplifted, thanks to a keen acid structure. A commanding intensity on the finish with notes of cedar and cigar.

95

Belle Glos 2022 Las Alturas Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County ($55)

Velvet-lined luxury, with boysenberry preserves and a path of melted mocha. A stunning mouthfeel – anticipating every sip.

97

Bianchi IV Generación 2019 Single Block Gran Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina ($55)

One tremendously exceptional red. Spiced cedar, mulberry, and black tea join garden herbs and violets for an intense, yet juicy, red. Tannins are plush and a dot of white pepper seasons generous blackberry jam notes.

93

Binnun Winery 2020 Estate Grown Cuvée, Judean Hills, Israel ($45)

A blend of 57% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 10% Petit Verdot, aged 18 months in French oak. A stretch of minerality paves its way through cinnamon-cranberry, black cherry, and sweet pipe tobacco. Fine acidity and a soy sauce saltiness on the finish has an elegant stance.

92

Bowman Cellars 2021 Chardonnay, Russian River Valley ($36)

Youthful appearance, wonderfully precise, pure aromatics, Bosc pear highlighted with creamy vanilla notes. Good volume on the palate from extended time on the lees with routinely stirring, round, weighty, (14.7% alcohol), but with no heat whatsoever, seamlessly smooth and refined, the oak is evident, but well integrated with an extended finish. All indicators point to a wine made with very high-quality fruit. 330 cases produced.

95

Brian David 2021 Santa Barbara Pinot Noir ($55)

Meaty notes, with an onslaught of red fruits and a core of tobacco leaf. Background notes arise, with dried roses leading the fray. Raisins and soy sauce follow, matched with a front line of acidity. Well-structured with a complexity that keeps it fresh. Outstanding.

90

Cafe de Paris Brut Rose, Sparkling Wine, France ($17)

Sun-warmed raspberry suffuses this blend of Colombard, Gamay, and Chardonnay, mingling on the nose with red apple, watermelon, and a dab of white pepper before descending on the bright, fleshy palate amid notes of pink grapefruit, lime, and rose.