Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of April 20, 2025

This week, I’m excited to share my tasting notes on several noteworthy wine samples that landed on my doorstep. Among them are some standout releases from established Californian producers and a promising newcomer from Oregon.

Domaine Carneros, renowned for its sparkling wines, sent over its latest offerings. The Ultra Brut is a lighter style, showcasing vibrant lemon and lime notes, ideal for fans of fruit-driven wines. The Brut Cuvée and Late Disgorged Brut provide a more traditional approach with rich flavors from lees aging. The highlight, however, is Le Rêve, a six-year lees-aged Chardonnay that impresses with its luxurious texture and flavor profile, solidifying its place among California’s finest sparkling wines.

I also sampled wines from the innovative Folly of Man, whose first vintage was crafted by the talented duo Tracy and Aaron Kendall. With accolades from their respective backgrounds, they’ve created a brand focused on biodynamic and regenerative farming in the Eola-Amity Hills. Their estate-produced Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs show exceptional quality, with the estate wines standing out in particular.

Exclusive press samples from Corison Winery were another treat. Winemaker Cathy Corison’s 2022 releases include a Cabernet Franc and a Cabernet Sauvignon that exhibit her deft winemaking skills. The Cabernet Franc, with its bright acidity and herbaceous notes, would fit right in with wines from Chinon. Meanwhile, the Cabernet Sauvignon continues to impress with its structure and complexity, demonstrating how one can achieve richness without sacrificing balance.

Tasting Notes

2019 Domaine Carneros “Ultra Brut”

• Color: Pale gold
• Aroma: Candied lemon, lime peel
• Palate: Bright lemon and lime flavors with a touch of chalk.
• Score: 8.5 to 9.
• Price: $52. click to buy

2021 Domaine Carneros “Brut Cuvée”

• Color: Pale gold
• Aroma: Brioche, lemon pith
• Palate: Apples, lemon pith, and a hint of salinity.
• Score: ~9.
• Price: $39. click to buy

2017 Domaine Carneros “Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs”

• Color: Pale gold
• Aroma: Sea air, dried lemon peel
• Palate: Silky mousse with layers of flavors.
• Score: 9 to 9.5.
• Price: $128. click to buy

2022 Folly of Man “Estate” Chardonnay

• Color: Palest gold
• Aroma: Lemon pith, grapefruit zest
• Palate: Vibrant citrus flavors and appealing minerality.
• Score: 9 to 9.5.
• Price: TBD.

2022 Corison Winery “Helios – Sunbasket Vineyard” Cabernet Franc

• Color: Medium to dark garnet
• Aroma: Crushed nuts, plums
• Palate: Juicy cherry and plum with herbal notes.
• Score: 9 to 9.5.
• Price: $156. click to buy

2022 Corison Winery Cabernet Sauvignon

• Color: Very dark garnet
• Aroma: Black cherry, blackcurrant
• Palate: Intense, juicy fruit flavors with excellent structure.
• Score: 9.5 to 10.
• Price: $137. click to buy

This week brought a delightful array of wines, all showcasing distinct qualities and careful craftsmanship. Each bottle tells a story worth sharing with fellow wine enthusiasts.

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!