GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

94

Mascarin 2022 Dalya Estate Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast ($59)

A zip of jalapeño on fresh orange peel is a striking start for this illuminous white. Steely, with perky lemon sage and dynamic acidity.

94

Mascarin 2023 Moonshine Ranch Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast ($69)

From a vineyard farmed by the celebrated Martinelli Family, this red’s lean frame is a testament to subtle tension. Rose petals in aspic, red herbal tea, and tart cranberry converge. Acidity is so bright, we had to wear sunglasses when tasting.

96

Merry Edwards 2023 Coopersmith Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($75)

This six-acre vineyard sits on the winery’s home ranch, and this vintage was lengthened due to the season’s cooler temperatures. Its sultry mouthfeel is filled with smashed cinnamon cherries and spiced raspberries, lined with cocoa nibs. An earthy core exudes white pepper and oregano, with an exotic finish.

95

Minus Tide 2023 Pinot Noir, Hacienda Sequoia Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Mendocino ($60)

In the coolest, foggiest side of Anderson Valley, this two-acre vineyard was named for one of the giant redwoods that loom in the region. Fresh herbs and pine bring the forest to the palate. Spiced cranberry and tangerine peel meld with an electric salinity and a vividly juicy profile defined by just-picked cherries.

95

Morét-Brealynn 2024 Pinot Noir, Lakeview Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($70)

Aged in three different types of French oak, the wine’s luscious texture offers top notes of cherry and caramel apple. White pepper reverberates on the palate, with a string of cinnamon rose petals. Mocha and a spiced cranberry sandalwood make for a lusty finish.

92

R Collection 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, CA ($16)

Artwork on the label is inspired by Martin Johnson Heade’s “Hummingbird and Passionflowers,” circa 1875-85. Intense and bold, with tobacco and white pepper surrounding black plum and espresso. Broad shouldered, with expressive tannins, it finishes with a cedar-vanilla bravado.

95

Rutherford Hill 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley ($50)

A dynamo, with a bold burst of black currant and plum. Layers of earthy nuances appear, such as truffles and chocolate-flavored tobacco. A toasty finish balances out its oak and acidity.

95

Sea Smoke 2023 Southing Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills ($95)

An intricate yet absolutely seamless expression of Sea Smoke’s estate vineyard, this Pinot opens oh-so-gracefully with aromas of cranberry, brown fig, tobacco, and soil seasoned by fennel seed and Christmas spice. Grounded in crunchy but fine tannins, the palate delivers on the elegant promise of the nose—from its silky texture and top note of white-peppered pomegranate to its blueberry-toned finish.