GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

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.

93

Cape Mentelle Marri 2023 Semillon / Sauvignon Blanc, Margaret River, Australia ($18)

This 50/50 blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc is both well-conceived and nicely matured, with its screw cap closure preventing oxidation and preserving the wine so that its components could marry seamlessly over time. The Semillon component lends notes of ripe fig, with the Sauvignon providing a citrus-like edge and freshness in the finish.

91

Carmel Road 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, California ($18)

This Cabernet teams with 19% Merlot for a wine that is sinewy and crunchy with a plethora of flavors, from rose petals and cassis to cranberry and a touch of sweet jerky. A final dusting of powdered chocolate offers a chef’s kiss. Tannins are sprite and drying, with a rustic quality. It is understated and delicious.