Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of March 23, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s feature, where I sift through an array of wine samples that arrive, eager to be tasted. This edition of Vinography Unboxed brings you some exciting new releases that have recently graced my doorstep.

This week, I explored several offerings from Two Shepherds Winery, featuring their Clairette Blanche from the new Dunnigan Hills AVA, their Grenache Noir, and an intriguing blend of Grenache Gris and Grenache Noir. I particularly enjoyed the last two, which showcased a fresh character with vibrant floral berry notes.

To commemorate their 50th Anniversary, Raymond Vineyards sent over their celebratory Sauvignon Blanc. While it is enjoyable, the bottle itself is heavy and adorned with ornate decorations, which feels excessive and environmentally unfriendly.

I also have two Chardonnays to recommend. The first is from Smith-Madrone in Napa’s Spring Mountain, bridging the gap between traditional ripe California stylistics and a more acidic approach. The second comes from The Hilt in Santa Barbara, which is more restrained, though it could benefit from a touch more zest. I found The Hilt’s Pinot Noir more balanced, offering delightful cherry and redwood bark notes with a hint of sweet oak.

From Dutton Estate, their Karmen Isabella Pinot Noir presents a caramelized quality alongside bright fruit, which may or may not appeal to everyone.

Renowned Ridge Vineyards sent two new Zinfandels, their Pagani Ranch and East Bench, each distinct due to their vineyard origins. I preferred the Pagani Ranch for its complexity, while both are sure to please Zinfandel enthusiasts.

Lastly, I’m excited to recommend the 2020 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Silver Oak. In a year when many Napa producers faced challenges due to fires, this wine is a notable reminder of an excellent vintage, free of smoke taints and showcasing bright cherry notes with well-integrated oak.

Tasting Notes

• 2023 Two Shepherds "JDM Organic Farm" Clairette Blanche, Dunnigan Hills, California
  Pale gold in color, with aromas of pears, apples, and white peaches, it features a fresh palate of white peach and pear flavors alongside citrus notes. Excellent acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $28. Click to buy.

• 2023 Raymond Vineyards "50th Anniversary Collection" Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley
  Smells of golden apples and lemon peel, combines with bright acidity and lingering notes of oak. Score: 8.5. Cost: $90. Click to buy.

• 2021 Smith-Madrone Chardonnay, Spring Mountain District, Napa
  Aromas of lemon curd and nuts lead to a bright palate. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $43. Click to buy.

• 2022 The Hilt Estate Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara
  Lean and bright, with aromas of lemon pith and vanilla. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $50. Click to buy.

• 2022 The Hilt Estate Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara
  Balanced with cherry fruit and earthy notes. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $50. Click to buy.

• 2023 Dutton Estate "Dutton Ranch – Karmen Isabella" Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
  Features sweet cherry flavors and a caramelized note. Score: 8.5. Cost: $50. Click to buy.

• 2023 Two Shepherds "Grenache Gris and Noir – Danaen Block" Red Blend, Russian River Valley
  An unusual blend reminiscent of rosé, vibrant and flavorful. Score: 9. Cost: $32.

• 2022 Two Shepherds "Arya and Austin’s Vineyard" Grenache Noir, Russian River Valley
  Offers earthy notes balanced with bright fruit. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $26. Click to buy.

• 2023 Ridge Vineyards "Pagani Ranch" Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley
  Rich and juicy with a bright finish. Score: 9. Cost: $42. Click to buy.

• 2023 Ridge Vineyards "East Bench" Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley
  Bright blackberry flavors with good acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $40. Click to buy.

• 2020 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
  Balanced with black cherry and plum flavors, showcasing well-integrated oak. Score: 9. Cost: $170. Click to buy.

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!