GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Rhys 2023 Chardonnay, Anderson Valley ($49)

Mineral-driven, with lemon sorbet, green apple, and chervil are all assisted by stark acidity. A veil of salty pears and waterlilies are angelically delicate on the steely finish.

98

Rudius 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley ($128)

Velvet-lined, charismatic red with licorice, dried violets, and umami. Bold with a regal presence, supple tannins unfolding gracefully. Sumptuous black fruit enters mid-point drenched in sweet soil.

90

Scheid Family 2023 District 7 Cabernet Sauvignon. Monterey, CA ($16)

Built on a foundation of dark cherry fruit, this is a very solid Cabernet on its own terms. It displays enough textural softness and sweetness of fruit to be enjoyed as a sipping wine, but also enough depth of flavor and grip to work well at the table with robust dishes.

93

Schmitt Söhne 2024 RELAX Riesling, QbA Reinhessen, Germany ($13)

Plump notes of lemon chiffon feature a grassy tonality. Fermented slightly dry, it offers ample weight, with notes of apple tart and fresh linen.

91

Schmitt Söhne 2024 Riesling, QbA Reinhessen, Germany ($11)

Pineapple and lime sorbet are a result of crisp, refreshing acidity. An underscore of minerality sets the clean tone.

89

Specially Selected 2025 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley ($12)

Tangerine and honeysuckle show verve with a brilliant acidity. Lemon blossom and fresh melon are crisp and clean.

94

Staete Landt 2024 “Duchess” Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ ($40)

A wild yeast, barrel-fermented, captivating white where minerality mingles with vibrant tropical fruits and grassy herbs. Lively acidity impacts lemon blossom on mid-palate to the vivacious finish of cashew butter.

91

StarWine Cellars 2023 Curious Chardonnay, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma Cty. ($32)

With ample body and quite good depth of flavor, this is a “showy” Chardonnay that pulls up short of seeming overblown. Ripe fruit notes recalling poached peaches are nicely balanced by an undertone of toasty oak. With just enough acidity to achieve balance, this will be at its best if served fully chilled.