Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of December 1, 2024

Hello and welcome to another edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I delve into the recent influx of wine samples that have crossed my doorstep this week. This time, the selection features some notable and prestigious wines, promising an exciting tasting experience.

We begin with offerings from Racines Wines, a collaboration between Étienne de Montille, Brian Sieve, and Rodolphe Péters. I previously enjoyed their sparkling wine, so I was eager to try their latest still releases, starting with two Chardonnays from Santa Rita Hills. The first is a multi-vineyard blend that is well-rounded, while the single-vineyard bottling from Wenzlau Family Vineyard showcases a vibrant stony minerality. Both wines come highly recommended.

Next, Dominio Fournier, a winery owned by Gonzalez Byass in Ribera del Duero, provided their 2016 Reserva blend. This wine reveals a structure that may require additional aging to fully appreciate its complexity.

I have long admired Feudi di San Gregorio since visiting them during a trip to Campania. Their 2016 Piano di Montevergine, a Reserva Taurasi Aglianico, generally thrives with extended aging and, despite being from a vintage that’s quite a few years old, still has room for improvement.

Surprisingly, I received a sample from Il Poggione, a brand I often choose for my own cellar. The 2019 vintage, however, felt different—more angular and higher in alcohol than my usual expectations for this producer, despite being from an excellent year in Tuscany.

In a pleasant surprise, Yalumba in Barossa Valley sent a few wines, including a pair of Cabernet-Shiraz blends. The 2019 vintage is their current release, while the 2014 is a "Museum" release, making for an interesting comparison in tastes and aging.

On the luxury wine front, Cos d’Estournel reached out, offering a library release of their 2010 vintage. After expressing my preference for tasting before writing, they obliged, and I was pleased to discover this wine is at its peak right now, embodying everything I enjoy about Bordeaux.

I also sampled Pym-Rae, from the Tesseron Estate in Napa Valley. Known for excellence, this wine is high-quality, though slightly brawny in style for a Bordelais. The weight of the bottle was quite noticeable, contradicting the family’s sustainable focus.

Lastly, I reviewed the prestigious Nicolas Catena Zapata from Catena Zapata, known for its ability to age beautifully. The 2020 vintage showcases refinement, though it will further develop with time.

Tasting Notes

2022 Racines Wines “Sta. Rita Hills Cuvée” Chardonnay

• Color: Palest gold with hints of green
• Nose: Lemon peel, lemon oil, pink grapefruit
• Palate: Saline lemon pith and nutty oak with excellent acidity
• Alcohol: 13%
• Score: 9
• Price: $45

2022 Racines Wines “Wenzlau Family Vineyard” Chardonnay

• Color: Palest greenish gold
• Nose: Lemon oil, resin, white flowers
• Palate: Crystalline lemon oil and grapefruit pith, silky texture
• Alcohol: 13%
• Score: 9.5
• Price: $100

2016 Dominio Fournier “Reserva” Red Blend

• Color: Dark garnet
• Nose: Earth, cherry, oak
• Palate: Muscular tannins, cherry core, faint bitterness
• Alcohol: 14%
• Score: 8.5
• Price: $50

2016 Feudi di San Gregorio “Piano di Montevergine Reserva” Aglianico

• Color: Medium to dark ruby
• Nose: Dried herbs, flowers
• Palate: Earthy with fresh herbs and bright acidity
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Score: 8.5–9
• Price: $75

2019 Il Poggione Sangiovese

• Color: Medium ruby
• Nose: Raisins, incense, leather
• Palate: Bright citrus acidity, juicy dried herbs
• Alcohol: 15%
• Score: 8.5
• Price: $75

2014 Yalumba “The Signature” Red Blend

• Color: Dark garnet
• Nose: Minty cherry, leather
• Palate: Juicy cherry and herbs with fleecy tannins
• Alcohol: 14%
• Score: 9
• Price: $56

2019 Yalumba “The Signature” Red Blend

• Color: Dark garnet
• Nose: Minty herbs, cherry
• Palate: Cherry and blackberry with excellent acidity
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Score: 9
• Price: $42

2010 Cos d’Estournel Bordeaux Blend

• Color: Very dark garnet
• Nose: Cigar box, dark cherry
• Palate: Refined tannins, bright cedar, and herbs
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Score: 9.5
• Price: $370

2019 Tesseron Estate “Pym-Rae” Red Blend

• Color: Very dark garnet
• Nose: Cherry, tobacco leaf
• Palate: Fine-grained tannins with black cherry and cocoa
• Alcohol: 15%
• Score: 9
• Price: $366

2020 Catena Zapata “Nicolas Catena Zapata” Red Blend

• Color: Dark garnet
• Nose: Cedar, cherries, herbs
• Palate: Fleecy tannins with fresh fruit
• Alcohol: 14%
• Score: 9–9.5
• Price: $100

This week’s tastings surely reaffirm the diversity and richness found within wines from various regions, all showcasing their unique characteristics.

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!