GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Benziger Family Winery 2023 Pinot Noir, CA ($20)

Cranberry and tobacco are weaved together with smooth tannins. Acidity is bright, with clove and cinnamon-kissed woodsy tones.

98

Brassfield 2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, High Valley Appellation, Lake County ($105)

Aromas of blackberry and dark chocolate are intriguing. Satin-lined tannins offer a hint at chalky, volcanic minerality, with a backbone that carries the liquid on a smooth pathway. Black cherry, fig, and beef broth adds a juicy glossiness, bathing the palate with white chocolate cedar and dusted blueberries on the finish.

93

Bread & Butter 2024 Pinot Grigio, CA ($15)

Jasmine and ginger season notes of pineapple and lime rind. Perky acidity refreshes, while stone fruit softens the linear mineral notes on the finish. Lovely!

94

Chalone 2024 Estate Pinot Noir, Chalone AVA, Monterey County ($40)

Rose petals glaze over Morello cherries with a gelée seasoned with cinnamon and savory, meaty aspic. Hints of Bay leaves and umami center on the palate, with a satin-lined mouthfeel.

92

Charles Woodson’s 2023 Intercept Pinot Noir, Monterey County ($20)

Aged with 15-20% new oak, this bold and concentrated red delivers notes of soil, raspberries, and ripe black currants. Tannins are silky, with a lining of white pepper. Sandalwood is seasoned with sweet tobacco on the long finish.

92

Cigar Box 2024 Pinot Noir, Leyda Valley, Chile ($15)

Rich notes of black cherry and campfire smoke follow a silky path across the palate. Juicy, fresh, and adorned with dark chocolate cranberries. A treat.

96

Clarice 2024 Pinot Noir, Rosella’s Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County ($98)

Adam Lee’s stunner greets the palate with bright cherry and red beets that simultaneously perfume and flavor. Spiced mulberry, cinnamon, and vanilla-lined rose petals charm. With a medium weight, the persistent attention to texture is aided by a fine acid structure. It finishes with generous, silky red fruit.

90

Cloud Break 2023 “Black Cloud” Red Blend, CA ($10)

A stormy red, its billowy tannins looming alongside espresso, licorice-coasted black currant, and swirling with dark chocolate intensity.