Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of February 16, 2025

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I share the standout bottles from recent tastings.

Tim Mondavi’s family has expanded their winemaking portfolio after nearly twenty years of focusing solely on red wine at Continuum Estate. They introduced a new brand, Sentium, featuring their inaugural Sauvignon Blanc sourced from several organic growers in Mendocino’s Redwood Valley and Potter Valley. Led by Chiara Mondavi, the fourth generation of the Mondavi family, this release honors the family’s historical Fumé Blanc and adds an exciting chapter to their legacy.

This week’s tasting also featured two intriguing Chardonnays. The first is from Ernie Loosen’s collaboration with J. Christopher Cellars, resulting in the Willamette Valley Chardonnay from Appassionata Estate. Known for his passion for Pinot Noir, Loosen intends for this wine to age gracefully, giving it a distinctive character.

The second Chardonnay, from Moone-Tsai Wines, embodies a more classic Sonoma Coast profile, showcasing lemon curd and pastry cream flavors, though with a richer taste than current trends.

Several noteworthy red wines were also sampled, starting with the Nebbiolo from Tenuta Scerscé. The Sassella offers a vibrant expression of Valtellina, highlighted by its electric acidity and delightful complexity.

Another mention goes to Château Malherbe in coastal Provence, where the Ferrari family produces an organically and biodynamically farmed entry-level red blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache, showcasing a smooth blend of flavors.

Lastly, I tasted three exceptional wines from Pride Mountain Vineyards. This unique estate spans the county line between Napa and Sonoma, allowing for a diverse intake from both regions. The Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Claret exemplify the 2022 vintage’s quality, while their reserve Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon also deserves recognition.

Tasting Notes

2022 Sentium Sauvignon Blanc, Mendocino, California
A pale gold wine with aromas of ripe Fuji apples. Its palate features sweet apple and lemon notes, enhanced by excellent acidity. Silky in texture, with a lingering apple finish.

• Score: 8.5 to 9
• Cost: $77
  Buy here

2020 Appassionata Estate Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Pale gold, with aromas of white flowers and lemon peel. The palate offers lanolin and grapefruit with filigreed acidity, unique due to the strong lanolin flavor.

• Score: 8.5 to 9
• Cost: $71
  Buy here

2022 Moone-Tsai "Charles Heintz Vineyard" Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California
Pale yellow-gold, this wine features aromas of rich lemon curd. On the palate, it reveals creamy flavors with a touch of spicy heat.

• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $122
  Buy here

2019 Tenuta Scerscé "Sassella" Nebbiolo, Valtellina Superiore, Lombardy, Italy
Light ruby with orange highlights, this wine presents aromas of dried flowers. The palate is bright with salty strawberry and herb flavors, giving it a delicious profile.

• Score: 9 to 9.5
• Cost: $57
  Buy here

2022 Château Malherbe Red Blend, Côtes de Provence, France
This dark garnet wine has blue fruit aromas and juicy flavors, wrapped in soft tannins with hints of strawberry in the finish.

• Score: 8.5 to 9
• Cost: $57
  Buy here

2022 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, California
Dark garnet, with oak and cherry aromas. The palate mixes sweet cherry with herbal notes on a soft tannin background.

• Score: 9
• Cost: $95
  Buy here

2022 Pride Mountain Vineyards “Reserve Claret” Red Blend, California
Inky garnet with sweet cherry and chocolate aromas. The taste features bright acidity and tasty licorice notes.

• Score: 9
• Cost: $149
  Buy here

2022 Pride Mountain Vineyards “Reserve” Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County, California
Very dark garnet, with aromas of sweet cherry and oak. The palate wraps herbs in soft tannins with decent acidity.

• Score: 8.5 to 9
• Cost: $149
  Buy here

2022 Continuum Estate “Sage Mountain Vineyard” Proprietary Red, Napa Valley, California
Opaque garnet, this wine has aromas of dark chocolate and blueberries. It is seamless and supple, showcasing excellent balance.

• Score: 9.5
• Cost: $330
  Buy here

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!