Vinography Unboxed: Weekly Wine Highlights for March 30, 2025

Welcome to another edition of Vinography Unboxed, where we delve into a selection of wine samples received recently for tasting. This week featured intriguing offerings, including non-alcoholic sparkling wines and various bottles from notable vineyards.

Starting with the non-alcoholic sparkling wines from Bolle Drinks Ltd, a UK-based company, these beverages utilize a secondary fermentation method to achieve a more authentic wine-like essence. While they weren’t my favorite—consistent with most non-alcoholic wines I’ve tried—they were among the more acceptable options available.

From The Donum Estate, I sampled their new rosé of Pinot Noir. It presented a lean and bright profile, although it felt slightly austere for my palate. On the other hand, wines from Lucia Vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands stood out, particularly the Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir, which showcased delightful cherry and raspberry notes.

Winemaker Rosemary Cakebread shared a fabulous 2023 Grenache from her label Gallica Wines. This wine boasted a luscious brightness, featuring juicy strawberry flavors complemented by savory undertones.

Additionally, I received a significant selection from Ridge Vineyards—look out for my reviews on their recent releases in the upcoming week. Highlights include the Three Valleys red blend and their Estate Cabernet, the latter affectionately referred to as the Baby Monte Bello, both of which are noteworthy bottlings.

Finally, I would recommend the Cabernet Franc from Tenuta Casadei, an Italian vineyard practicing biodynamic farming near the Tuscan coast. This wine is juicy and structured for aging.

Tasting Notes

NV Bolle “Blanc de Blancs” Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Wine, USA

A light yellow-gold appearance with coarse bubbles, offering aromas of sea air and lemon peel. The taste reveals lightly sweet flavors with good acidity and a wine-like body. Score: 8.5. Cost: $38. Buy here.

2024 Donum Rosé of Pinot Noir, Carneros, Sonoma, California

This pale peachy wine has a bright bouquet of citrus and berries. Its palate is savory with excellent acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $50.

2023 Lucia Vineyards “Estate Cuvée” Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Light gold with aromas of citrus and butterscotch, it features a silky texture and lingering bitterness. Score: 8.5 to 9. Cost: $35. Buy here.

2023 Lucia Vineyards “Soberanes Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands, California

Medium garnet, it carries sweet raspberry and cherry notes, lifted by excellent acidity. Score: 9. Cost: $65. Buy here.

2022 Ridge Vineyards “Lytton Springs” Red Blend, Sonoma, California

An outstanding blend delivering bright flavors with excellent acidity. Score: 9.5. Cost: $51. Buy here.

This week’s selections offer a range of quality wines worth exploring. Happy tasting!

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!