This Week in Wine: Vinography Unboxed for January 19, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of wine samples that have arrived for tasting. I’m excited to share a diverse selection of noteworthy bottles that I encountered recently.

This week’s tasting featured an array of wines from various locations. Starting from Napa, LOLA Wines offers a range of both traditional and unique wines. Among them, I sampled their “Artisanal Series,” which includes a bright Malvasia Bianca and a Dry Muscat alongside a dark Charbono and an elegantly crafted Zinfandel.

From Italy’s Friuli region, I revisited the wines of Jermann, always a treat when I can get my hands on them, especially their Capo Martino blend, which showcases a blend of local grapes resulting in a deliciously complex wine.

Another recommendation comes from Enfield Wine Co., a Napa-based producer aiming for high-acid, flavorful wines. I was particularly impressed by their Chardonnay and the Grenache-based red blend.

In the lighter-bodied red category, I enjoyed the Etna Rosso from Tornatore, noted for its bright acidity and unique berry and herb characteristics, which I find consistently delightful.

Josh Hammerling is well-known for his sparkling wines from Berkeley, but his still wines, including the expressive Gamay Noir called “Late Air,” were equally memorable, highlighting bright blood orange notes.

From Italy comes a sophisticated Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Tuscan producer Brancaia, which offers a unique twist on traditional Chianti with a Bordeaux-style approach.

Lastly, a special treat arrived from Romania’s Crama Ferdi, where a father-son duo produces captivating wines. I tasted their limited edition Cabernet Sauvignon, the Red King, showcasing distinct flavors, despite its availability in the U.S. being uncertain.

Tasting Notes

2023 LOLA Wines Malvasia Bianca, St. Helena, Napa, California
Pale gold with aromas of honeysuckle and golden apples, it features crisp flavors with excellent acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $45. View

2022 LOLA Wines Dry Muscat, Calistoga, Napa, California
This wine boasts bright flavors of green apple and green melon with a stony minerality. Score: 8.5. Cost: $45. View

2022 Jermann “Capo Martino” White Blend
Delicious with flavors of ambrosia melon and Asian pear, a true blend of native Friulian grapes. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $91. View

2022 Enfield Wine Co. “Citrine” Chardonnay, California
With aromas of lemon curd and a stony underbelly, though desiring a bit more acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $32. View

2022 Enfield Wine Co. “Stained Glass” Grenache, California
This wine offers pure strawberry flavors with a compelling stony mineral quality. Score: 9.

2020 Tornatore “Pietrarizzo” Nerello Mascalese, Etna Rosso, Sicily
A bright red with lovely acidity, showing flavors of strawberry and dried flowers. Score: 8.5. Cost: $45. View

2023 Hammerling “Late Air – Escolle Vineyard” Gamay
A vibrant wine with notes of blood orange and sour cherries. Score: 9. Cost: $42. View

2019 Crama Ferdi “Red King Reserva” Cabernet Sauvignon, Romania
Well-balanced with rich flavors of black cherry and herbs. Score: 8.5 – 9.

This week’s tastings emphasize the joy of exploring not only familiar regions but also venturing into lesser-known territories, bringing delightful discoveries from around the world of wine.

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!