GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

91

Calculated Risk 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Sonoma County ($59)

Beefy, with notes of iron and sandalwood. White peppered black cherries add zip to the palate, while the juicy finish leaves a trace of minerality behind.

96

Caliza 2023 Azimuth, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($82)

This blend of 41% Mourvèdre, 26% Grenache, 26% Syrah, and 7% Mataro is a Rhône variety lover’s dream. Bittersweet dark chocolate and licorice lead the parade of deeply layered flavors, cheered on by blackberry, graphite, clove-washed cured meats, and white pepper. Tannins are generous and suede-like. Backed by a fine acidity.

96

Caliza 2023 Kän’krēt Grenache, Willow Creek District, Paso Robles ($82)

With a unique production approach of 18 months in 59% concrete egg, 41% neutral French oak, 59% concrete egg, 25% 400L, and 16% 265L barrels, this 100% Grenache exhibited a multi-dimensional texture. Juicy, silky, aromatic, and mineral-toned, it was bursting with ripe cherries, pomegranate, and hibiscus. Cinnamon swirls through redwood, with a wisp of cumin and red tea.

95

Centennial Mountain 2022 Carricante, Sonoma County ($49)

An indigenous white grape from Sicily’s Mt. Etna, it displays excellent character high atop Centennial Mountain Vineyard’s schist soil, at 2,000 feet. Mineral tones gleam, with electrifying lemon verbena and honeyed Golden apple.

95

Centennial Mountain 2022 Nebbiolo, Sonoma County ($79)

In a blind tasting, this red could fool the best palate into believing it hailed from Piedmont. Dusky tannins are refined and elegant, with rose petals and vibrant cherries. Crisp acidity accents its freshness. Cinnamon unites with tilled soil, displaying a distinct, earthy minerality.

95

Centennial Mountain 2022 Nerello Mascalese, Sonoma County ($59)

With spice lining a bevy of fruit – from plum to cherries and quince – and enveloped by angelic floral tones, the wine shows a balance of backbone as much as it does a linear finesse. Mineral tones go earthy, with exotic incense and cardamom. Dry-farmed and planted at 2,000 feet in elevation.

92

End of the Day 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles ($40)

Ripe and juicy, with energy and stamina. The flow of red berries wash over white pepper, calming any edges. Vanilla and red plum team up on the gratifying finish.

94

End of the Day 2024 Albariño, Paso Robles ($30)

With five months of barrel aging in 77% neutral French oak, along with the expected stainless-steel barrels, the outcome is a salty sea breeze with a caress of lemon chiffon and pear tart. White jasmine rice adds a clean note along with fresh linen and candied pineapple. Crisp, with a vanilla coating on the palate.