Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of November 3, 2024

Hello, and welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I share insights from my recent tastings of various wine samples.

Recently, I explored several Albariños from Uruguay that truly shine, particularly if you’re a fan of this grape’s crisp character. The Bouza Albariño showcases a classic profile at a reasonable price. Another standout is Viña Progreso, an offshoot of Bodega Pisano, which impresses with its vibrant acidity and enticing aromas. The Garzon Single Vineyard offering may be more subtle but captures the essence of the Uruguayan coastal terroir beautifully.

I also tasted some exciting new releases from Troon Vineyard in Oregon’s Applegate Valley. The Druid’s Red, like its white and pink counterparts, is intended to be an affordable, easy-drinking red. This wine boasts dark berry flavors balanced by earthy notes, making it quite delightful. Meanwhile, Troon’s Syrah offers a layered experience with a strong stony character.

In an engaging press conference, the Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino discussed significant changes to the Brunello di Montalcino appellation. Notably, 870 acres previously excluded from producing Rosso di Montalcino can now contribute to its production. They’ve also devised a data-driven assessment system for Brunello vintages to enhance the evaluation process. In light of this, I sampled some wines from the acclaimed 2019 and 2018 vintages.

The 2018 Frescobaldi Castelgiocondo presents a classic Brunello expression with earthy and cherry notes, while the 2019 Canalicchio di Sopra remains youthful and requires more time to integrate its oak’s influence. Among these, my top pick was the 2019 Fanti “Vallocchio” Brunello, crafted from some of the region’s oldest vineyards and offering a refined take on Sangiovese.

Finally, I explored wines from Retro Cellars, where the Dunn family is known for their Cabernet Sauvignon. However, they produce lesser-known varietals like Petite Sirah, Syrah, Zinfandel, and Peloursin. I tasted their Syrah and Petite Sirah, both of which are bold yet surprisingly balanced.

Here are the tasting notes for the wines featured this week:

Tasting Notes

2024 Bouza Albariño, Uruguay

• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $26
• A fresh and bright wine with notes of honey, green apples, and saline minerality.

2023 Viña Progreso “Overground” Viognier, Uruguay

• Score: 9
• Cost: $29
• Lively with flavors of orange peel and lemon pith.

2023 Bodega Garzon “Single Vineyard” Albariño, Uruguay

• Score: 8.5-9
• Cost: $45
• Floral notes with saline minerality and silky texture.

2023 Troon Vineyard “Druid’s Red” Red Blend, Oregon

• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $25
• Juicy with blackberries and a hint of barnyard character.

2022 Troon Vineyard Syrah, Oregon

• Score: 8.5-9
• Cost: $36
• Rich with stony flavors and a floral earthy finish.

2018 Frescobaldi “CastelGiocondo” Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

• Score: 8.5-9
• Cost: $70
• Earthy tannins with cherry and citrus notes.

2019 Canalicchio di Sopra Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $110
• Rich flavor profile with a strong oak influence.

2019 Fanti “Vallocchio” Brunello di Montalcino, Italy

• Score: 9
• Cost: $85
• Balanced cherry and herbal notes with a smooth finish.

2018 Retro Cellars Syrah, California

• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $60
• Dark fruit flavors with a rich and velvety finish.

2015 Retro Cellars “Los Abuelos Vineyard” Petite Sirah, California

• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $60
• Bold flavors of blackberry and a robust structure.

This week’s exploration highlighted several excellent wines, showcasing the diverse offerings available in the world of wine today.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!