GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Chloe in Bloom 2025 Pinot Grigio & Sauvignon Blanc, CA ($15)

Perfumed with Spring flowers, this delicate duo-varietal white is seamless on the palate, with meringue-kissed apricot, Key lime, and honeysuckle.

92

Chronic Cellars 2023 “Suite Petite” Petite Sirah, Paso Robles ($17)

Chewy tannins and a revelation of sweet, ripe plum match with savory notes of coffee and bittersweet dark chocolate. The wine shows depth of flavor, structure, color, and character.

92

Cooper & Thief 2023 Pinot Noir, CA ($30)

Aged three months in bourbon whiskey barrels, and coming in at 15.5% abv, this is a Pinot Noir unlike any we have tasted. Its muscular frame layers sweet oak spice, blueberries, and chocolate over subtle butterscotch notes. Round and plush, this is a textured and dramatic red.

92

Cooper & Thief 2023 Red Wine Blend, CA ($30)

Silky and deep, with jammy blackberries and bittersweet dark chocolate coconut. Indulgent, it’s aged three months in bourbon whiskey barrels, with a touch of smoke integrating with roasted coffee on the oak-toned finish.

93

Crossbow 2024 Chardonnay, Sonoma County ($24)

With a mineral base, barrel notes are still evident: pungent vanilla and crème brûlée.

92

Crossbow 2024 Pinot Noir, Sonoma County ($24)

Layered flavors of mocha, plum, sweet tobacco, and soy sauce show complexity.

94

Dakota Shy 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($125)

Well-mannered in character, this Cab shows blackberry and dark cherry fruit notes with plenty of flavor impact. The oak lends touches of spice and toast, with tannins providing welcome firming in the finish without notable astringency.

93

Dakota Shy 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($54)

A serious take on Sauvignon Blanc that’s offered at a serious price, this was vinified in 80% used French oak and 10% each stainless steel and new French barrels. The result is rounded in feel and ripe in flavor, but with good linear energy and very appealing flavors recalling bright citrus fruits cushioned by softer tropical tones.