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Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of November 10, 2024

Chris Lehoux, November 18, 2024

Hello and welcome to another edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I take a closer look at some remarkable wine samples that have recently been sent my way. This week, I am excited to share several excellent white wines, especially a standout Chenin Blanc from California.

The Chenin Blanc comes from the calcareous terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara, crafted by Pali Wine Co. It showcases the region’s cool, mineral characteristics beautifully.

Sticking with the theme of vibrant acidity, I have to commend Troon Vineyard’s latest Vermentino from Southern Oregon. This 2023 vintage is probably their best yet, offering a delightful blend of vivaciousness and drinkability.

When thinking about Pinot Grigio from Alto Adige, we often picture a crisp, straightforward wine. However, Alois Lageder surprises us with a skin-contact version that delivers a complex and refreshing profile. This wine is also Demeter-certified Biodynamic, appealing to those keen on organic practices.

Next, I tasted two single-vineyard Chardonnays from The DONUM Estate, both featuring the stunning Ai Weiwei Zodiac artwork. While I preferred the Carneros version slightly, both showcase the grape’s potential exquisitely.

Auteur Wines, founded by Kenneth Juhasz and his wife Laura in 2003, recently sent me samples of their Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. It was great to reconnect with these classic expressions after a few years of absence.

Smith-Story Wines, run by Alison and Eric Story, also sent over a couple of Pinot Noirs from Anderson Valley. Under winemaker Katy Wilson’s guidance, their wines have gained significant acclaim, both recently tasted wines are excellent representations from their portfolio.

Ryan Beauregard, whose great-grandparents established Beauregard Vineyards in 1945, now oversees the winery. I tasted his estate Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon, and I particularly enjoyed the bright cranberry character of the Pinot.

Lastly, I’d like to highlight a couple of wines from Delfino Farms, which operates under the Edio Vineyards brand in El Dorado County. Their Mourvèdre and Syrah blend called “Frank’s Blend” showcases a delightful boysenberry character, while the “Estate Blend” Mourvèdre presents mouthwatering flavors that are hard to resist.

Here are the detailed tasting notes for these exceptional wines:

Tasting Notes

2023 Pali Wine Co. “Pali Vineyard” Chenin Blanc, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Barbara, California

  • Description: Pale gold with pear and pear skin aromas, featuring bright grapefruit and crabapple flavors.
  • Score: 9 to 9.5
  • Cost: $50
    Buy here.

2023 Troon Vineyard Vermentino, Applegate Valley, Southern Oregon

  • Description: Pale gold with pear and white flower aromas, showcasing saline pear flavors and stony minerality.
  • Score: 9 to 9.5
  • Cost: $32
    Buy here.

2022 Alois Lageder “Porer” Pinot Grigio, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

  • Description: Pale amber, with aromas of wet leaves and citrus peel, and flavors of apricot, dried herbs, and baked apples.
  • Score: around 9
  • Cost: $32
    Buy here.

2022 The DONUM Estate “Single Vineyard – Year of the Tiger” Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

  • Description: Pale gold, with toasted oak and lemon peel scents, balanced with excellent acidity.
  • Score: 8.5 to 9
  • Cost: $75

2022 The DONUM Estate “Single Vineyard – Year of the Tiger” Chardonnay, Carneros, Sonoma, California

  • Description: Sweet oak, vanilla, and lemon curd flavors with fresh acidity.
  • Score: around 9
  • Cost: $75
    Buy here.

2022 Auteur Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma, California

  • Description: Bright lemon peel and grapefruit aromas with juicy flavors and stony minerality.
  • Score: 9 to 9.5
  • Cost: $50
    Buy here.

2022 Smith Story Wine Cellars “Filigreen Farm” Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California

  • Description: Raspberry and dried flower aromas, with cherry and raspberry flavors wrapped in dusty tannins.
  • Score: around 9
  • Cost: $64
    Buy here.

2021 Smith Story Wine Cellars “The Boonies” Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California

  • Score: 9 to 9.5
  • Cost: $70
    Buy here.

2022 Beauregard Vineyards “Estate” Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

  • Score: around 9
  • Cost: $68
    Buy here.

2021 Beauregard Vineyards “Beauregard Ranch” Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

  • Score: around 8.5
  • Cost: $85
    Buy here.

2022 Edio Vineyards “Frank’s Blend” Red Blend, El Dorado, Sierra Foothills, California

  • Score: around 9
  • Cost: $62

2023 Edio Vineyards “Estate Blend” Mourvèdre, El Dorado, Sierra Foothills, California

  • Score: 9 to 9.5
  • Cost: $42

These selections highlight some of the best qualities from various wine regions, showcasing not just the varietals but the distinct characteristics of their terroirs. Enjoy exploring these exceptional wines!


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!

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About Best Case Wine

Best Case Wine offers insightful product reviews, features on top wineries, and exclusive interviews. Dive into a world of fine wines, expert opinions, and the latest trends. Whether you're a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, our blog is your go-to source for all things wine. Join us for a journey through the vineyards!

About the Author

Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and blogger, shares insightful reviews and tips on wine tasting, pairing, and vineyard visits. His passion and expertise in the wine industry shine through in his engaging and educational posts.

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