GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

Bread & Butter 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($15)

Crisp and bright, with a zesty array of just-squeezed grapefruit. Pineapple sorbet lengthens on the refreshing finish.

95

Brigaldara 2018 Casa Vecie, Amarone della Valpolicella Superiore DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($120)

Exotic, plush, and amped with fresh acidity, this well-aged, high-altitude “Vigne Alte” Amarone shows its maturity in a decidedly delicious path of milk chocolate, jasmine, ripened figs, and white pepper.

94

Brigaldara 2019 Classico, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($100)

After 120 days of drying, vinification takes place for this blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. The wine is aged in large-volume wooden barrels for about three years. Focused and tense at 16.5% abv, with an inner strength that relies on cherry skins and high-toned acidity. Its tannins expand along with an underlying minerality, amplified by a dose of red berries.

94

Brigaldara 2020 Cavolo, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, Veneto, Italy ($80)

Plum liqueur and tilled soil, with a note of balsamic and a persisting floral bouquet entertains nose and palate. Take a deep dive into milk chocolate, Italian herbs, and toasted oak, with a graceful demeanor. A blend of 60% Corvina, 22 % Corvinone, and 18% Rondinella.

94

Busy Signal 2024 Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara County ($39)

Winemakers Adam Lee and Morét-Brealynn crafted an affordable, affable Pinot Noir that rings true to its terroir. Black raspberry possesses exotic floral tones, with a note of sweet soil and milk chocolate. Cranberry mid-point flavors are vibrant, with a zip of acidity and a veil of white pepper.

92

Ca’ Momi 2024 Chardonnay, Napa Valley ($17)

The fragrance immediately introduces itself with a buttery seductiveness. The palate reveals lemon zest, custard and pie crust with a hearty structure and a bright freshness. Pear and pomme fruits fuse alongside nectarines and vanilla cream for a final flourish that is plump and juicy.

92

Ca’ Momi 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Monterey ($13)

A flamboyant bouquet bursts with lemon drop and kiwi and ripe honeydew, layered harmoniously with a veil of green bell pepper. Fresh and sun-kissed, the palate is a cavalcade of lime candy and white spice wrapped within a crisp, tangy, bitter finish. It is delightfully taut throughout.

91

Cape Mentelle Marri 2023 Chardonnay, Margaret River, Australia ($18)

A light, bright, refreshing Chardonnay, this shows more complexity than one would expect at its price level. Predominantly aged on fine yeast lees in steel tanks, it gains a bit of spiciness from a portion that was aged in oak. Vibrant acidity keeps this seeming as refreshing as cool climate Sauvignon Blanc, but with more restrained aromatics and broader versatility.