GUINIGI

Wine Reviews

92

McFadden Family Vineyard 2025 Blue Quail Sauvignon Blanc, Potter Valley, Mendocino County ($26)

Made from organic fruit grown in cool climatic conditions at 1,100 feet of elevation and released very early under a screw cap closure, one might guess that this Sauvignon would be puckeringly tart, but that’s not the case at all. Ripe flavors of white melon with a squeeze of lime are balanced by fresh acidity that offers just the right, bright edge for definition.

94

Merry Edwards 2023 Anderson Valley Chardonnay, Mendocino County ($45)

The balance between fresh sensations of pear and star fruit with richer tones of toffee and gardenia is striking in this supple and very pretty wine, whose lilting acidity washes gently over touches of vanilla and hazelnut. There’s a timelessness to its profile.

96

Merry Edwards 2023 Olivet Lane Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County ($70)

Comely white florals entwine themselves around honeydew, lime, and cinnamon-sprinkled white peach on the nose of this 100% Chardonnay from a 50-year-old vineyard that Merry Edwards has worked with for decades. Whole cluster–pressed, barrel fermented, and aged sur lie in (41% new) French oak for eight months, it’s luminous on the palate, bristling with acidity amid notes of citrus, green apple, and more white peach, yet there’s a softness to it too. Gorgeous.

94

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino Co. ($55)

Cherries dipped in dark chocolate light up the palate, its tart and sweet tones coinciding with white-peppered roses and pansies. Cinnamon and cranberry, with a hint of vanilla truffle, engage, and lead to a juicy finish.

96

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Dach Vineyard, Anderson Valley, Mendocino Co. ($77)

Dach’s (pronounced “Dash”) northeast-southwest facing aspect and marine influence has an impact on this intense beauty. Graphite and iron are unmasked and weaved into violets, lavender, and dried leaves. High acidity and mild tannins reveal prominent notes of plum, while coastal salinity and soil play a role on the finish.

95

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Georganne Vineyard, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($72)

Dark, bold fruit makes a statement for this wine. And if the lavender and jasmine don’t grab your attention at first, smashed boysenberry, rhubarb, and spiced cedar certainly will. Generously coating the mouth with crushed, concentrated berries, notes of beef broth intensifies, with vanilla leading the path on the finish.

94

Merry Edwards 2023 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Co. ($65)

Deep, ripe cherry demands attention, coated with vanilla, candied apple, and tilled soil. Brightly lit with a racy acid structure, the palate is soothed with sweet basil, red licorice, and vanilla oak.

94

Minus Tide 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, Vine View Ranch, Yorkville Highlands AVA, Mendocino ($60)

A high-elevation Cab sitting at 1,500 feet, its character speaks to a linear arrangement of mint, spiced mulberry, dried oregano, spiced mulberry, and plum liqueur. Chalky tannins and a frisky acidity lend a hand at its upright nature, but floral tones on the finish add length to its dynamic finish.