GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

95

Clarice 2024 Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County ($98)

A dynamo! A tarry compote of blackberry, espresso, and fennel lead the way. A thread of acidity calms this blockbuster, allowing notes of roses, peonies, and baking spices to surface. Opulent from start to finish.

89

Coltbridge Vineyards 2024 Cabernet Sauvignon, Southeast Australia ($10)

A user-friendly Cabernet that rings up for $10 is a pleasant surprise. Yes, it this a bit sweet for Cabernet and quite soft in feel, but at this price those are selling points rather than shortcomings. Sourcing fruit from both cooler and warmer vineyards resulted in a bit of complexity, but this is all about affordable drinkability, and it succeeds at exactly that.

91

Cupcake Vineyards 2023 Butterkissed Chardonnay, California ($12)

The wine highlights creamy butter as advertised, but other flavors pucker up, with a decadent bouquet of jasmine and hawthorne. There’s a textural softness, with layers of peach, lemon pith and fruit cocktail with a baker’s flourish of custard and pie crust – an indulgent pleasure.

92

Cupcake Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay, Monterey County, California ($12)

This wine is an event, but no need to bring your own buttered popcorn, the taste is included. Stone fruit and pineapple accompany raw honey with just the slightest hint of orange slices. Earthier components emerge on the palate, with a creamy wave of vanilla and hay alongside a surprising layer of lanolin and petrichor.

92

Cupcake Vineyards 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand ($12)

Immediately this wine demonstrates a flair for freshness. The grapes are harvested at night and fermented in stainless steel tanks to highlight the fruit. There is a mélange of mouthwatering flavors, from ripe cantaloupe to yuzu and kiwi with a bit of jalapeño. Sensations of prickly tension burst like pop-rocks on the tongue with a lengthy finish of sun-kissed tropicality.

94

Cusumano 2023 Jalé Chardonnay, Terre Siliciane IGT, Italy ($40)

With a low abv of 13%, this unique Chardonnay speaks to wet stone, lemon custard, pineapple, and toasted pecan. Its complexity is significant; it is an expression of soil, providing a refreshing quality of texture and richness.

93

Cusumano 2023 Nero D’Avola, Sicilia DOC, Italy ($17)

Mineral-rich, food-friendly beauty. Black cherry and cherry pith glisten alongside balsamic and sweet earth. A hint of fennel and black tea surface on the finish.

92

Cuvaison 2023 Estate Chardonnay, Los Carneros, Napa Valley ($35)

A squeeze of lemon over toffee signals a super slick and fresh Chardonnay. Almond brittle sweetens sandalwood, while white flowers and a line of flint entertains on the finish.