Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of April 13, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s installment of Vinography Unboxed, where I delve into recent wine samples that have arrived for tasting.

This week features new releases from Darling Wines based in Sonoma. The standout among them is the Petaluma Gap Chardonnay, noted for its Burgundian qualities with a resinous note and salinity, complementing its crisp lemon flavors. Additionally, there’s a unique Pinot Noir with a strong stem influence, a delightful Gamay, and a savory Syrah, all ideal for fans of lean, high-acidity wines with whole-cluster notes.

From Can Sumoi, a historic farm in the Penedes region of Spain run by Pepe Raventós, I tasted their natural wines, notably the Xarel-lo offering which showcases pear and sarsaparilla tones. I also enjoyed their Grenache and Sumoll blend, celebrating the revival of a rare ancient grape variety.

I received several new releases from Balverne Wines, a sister brand to Notre Vue estate. The wines came from their 250-acre estate across the Chalk Hill and Russian River Valley appellations. I sampled a rich and ripe Pinot Noir, a Zinfandel featuring sweet fruit, and a Cabernet Sauvignon which stood out for its balance and oak integration.

To round off the tastings, I have a Cabernet Franc from House Family Vineyards that caught my attention, demonstrating age and complexity.

Tasting Notes

2023 Darling Wines Chardonnay, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma, California

• Appearance: Pale gold
• Aroma: Lemon zest, white flowers, resin
• Palate: Bright lemon flavors with grapefruit and floral notes; excellent salinity and acidity.
• Alcohol: 11.8%
• Score: 9
• Cost: $65

2024 Can Sumoi Xarel-lo, Penedès, Spain

• Appearance: Pale blonde
• Aroma: Pear, pastry cream, citrus
• Palate: Pear and crème anglaise with sarsaparilla notes; certified organic.
• Alcohol: 12.5%
• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $19

2023 Can Sumoi Garnatxa Sumoll Red Blend, Penedès, Spain

• Appearance: Medium garnet
• Aroma: Black cherry, blackberry, flowers
• Palate: Aromatic with blackberry and blueberry notes; excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 13%
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $22

2023 Darling Wines “Den Chòsta” Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma, California

• Appearance: Light to medium hazy garnet
• Aroma: Chopped herbs, raspberry
• Palate: Savory with herbal influences; excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 12.1%
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $57

2024 Darling Wines “Baytree Lane Vineyard” Gamay, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma, California

• Appearance: Light garnet
• Aroma: Raspberries, boysenberries
• Palate: Blood orange and green herbs; great acidity.
• Alcohol: 12%
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $42

2022 Balverne Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

• Appearance: Light garnet
• Aroma: Raspberries, cranberries
• Palate: Bright acidity and a powdery tannic texture.
• Alcohol: 13.8%
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $45

2023 Balverne Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

• Appearance: Medium garnet
• Aroma: Blackberry, licorice
• Palate: Fruity with decent acidity; wood influence is a bit strong.
• Alcohol: 14.3%
• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $30

2023 Darling Wines “Den Chòsta” Syrah, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma, California

• Appearance: Medium to dark garnet
• Aroma: Blackberry, herbs
• Palate: Salty blackberry flavors with herbal notes; excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 11.5%
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $60

2021 Balverne Cabernet Sauvignon, Chalk Hill, Sonoma, California

• Appearance: Medium to dark garnet
• Aroma: Cherry, tobacco
• Palate: Juicy cherry flavors with integrated tannins.
• Alcohol: 14.3%
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $50

2015 House Family Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Santa Cruz Mountains, California

• Appearance: Medium to dark garnet
• Aroma: Plum, cherry
• Palate: Muscular tannins with great acidity; wood influence is present.
• Alcohol: 8.5
• Cost: $100

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!