GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

93

Tesco Finest 2024 Chardonnay, Carneros ($29)

Barrel notes of toffee-vanilla align with sunshine-filled citrus and melon. Elegant, with a dramatic finish of apple tart and lemon verbena.

96

Thistledown 2023 “Sands of Time” Old Vine Grenache, Blewitt Springs, McLaren Vale, South Australia ($78)

Wild fermented, with 30% whole cluster in concrete pyramids before aging in oak and concrete. Elegant and perfumed, with roses and hibiscus framed in iron-mineral earth tones. Notes of Big cherries, tomato leaf, allspice, and salted cured meats. Dried herbs hang on for a long, elegant finish.

95

Thistledown 2023 She’s Electric Old Vine Grenache, McLaren Vale, South Australia ($47)

Buoyant, with an almost weightless mouthfeel, the luxurious liquid feels like a soft hand on a broad shoulder. Cranberries, cherries, and sweet tobacco light up, electric and focused.

95

Thistledown 2023 Walking with Kings Roussanne, Grenache Blanc, Mclaren Vale, South Australia ($50)

Dusty vanilla. Peanut brittle, honeyed mango, banana, and crushed stone are delightfully layered flavors. This white is structured and well balanced, with enough weight to demonstrate its round and satisfying texture.

90

Thistledown 2024 Gorgeous Grenache Blanc, South Australia ($18)

Beeswax and white flowers frame notes of kiwi and vanilla wafers. Lime zest gives a pleasing textural edge.

90

Three Henrys NV Blanquette de Limoux, Languedoc, France ($20)

The vinous equivalent of a watercolor painting, this traditional-method brut of Mauzac reveals light brushstrokes of bruised apple, white peach, and lemon dappled with chalky minerality and sourdough toast—all framed by a frothy, almost delicate mouthfeel.

99

Three Sticks 2024 Chardonnay, Gap’s Crown Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County ($75)

A brilliant wine, with sunshine-kissed mineral tones and vivid citrus. Its depth and complexity of style, its round mouthfeel and saline approach reflect its coastal influence. Notes of Mandarin orange, melon, and mango take elegance to a luxe level.

97

Three Sticks 2024 Durrell Vineyard Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Co ($75)

Steely with leesy richness and a bounty of plump-textured stone fruits. Underlying flinty notes meld with a creamy quality accented by lemon blossom, brioche, and burnt orange peel.