Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of May 4, 2025

This week, I explored an array of wine samples that recently arrived, sharing standout bottles from various wineries.

Among the highlights, Aperture Cellars debuted their “Estate” Sauvignon Blanc from the Farrow Ranch Vineyard, which proves quite delightful, though it doesn’t surpass their exceptional red field blend from a 1912 vineyard or the intriguing Devil Proof Malbec.

Next, Spottswoode Winery in Napa introduced their new 2024 Sauvignon Blanc, showcasing a vibrant passionfruit character. Their Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon remains consistently excellent.

From Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, I enjoyed a captivating white blend made from Assyrtiko, Semillon, and Malvasia Bianca — a unique and remarkable discovery.

Inman Family Wines also impressed with their "Whole Buncha Love," a white Pinot Noir mixed with Pinot Gris that is refreshingly drinkable and available at a reasonable price.

Troon Vineyard brought their Glou-Glou, a playful blend of Carignane and Grenache, presented in a nouveau style, creating an easy-drinking experience perfect for relaxed summer gatherings.

Additionally, following my recent review of the 2021 Napa Cabernet, I received more samples, including St. Supery‘s Elu Bordeaux blend, which was juicy and enjoyable.

Rounding out the tasting notes, Antinori Napa Valley shared their forthcoming Antica Cab Franc, reclaiming its original status as a flagship wine with myriad flavors. I also tasted two variations of their Townsend Cabernet Sauvignon, both eluding the classic Napa profile.

Tasting Notes

2022 Aperture Cellars “Aperture Estate – Farrow Ranch” Sauvignon Blanc

• Color: Pale greenish gold
• Nose: Passionfruit, green apples
• Palate: Bright, juicy with lingering notes of candied green apple.
• Alcohol: 13.7%
• Score: 9
• Cost: $85

2024 Spottswoode Estate Sauvignon Blanc

• Color: Palest gold
• Nose: Candied green apple, passionfruit
• Palate: Juicy, with hints of white flowers.
• Alcohol: 13.5%
• Score: 9
• Cost: $57

2023 Stonestreet Estate Vineyards White Blend

• Color: Palest greenish gold
• Nose: Green apples, lime zest
• Palate: Bright with a saline quality.
• Alcohol: 14.1%
• Score: 9–9.5
• Cost: $55

2024 Inman Family Winery “Whole Buncha Love”

• Color: Light greenish gold
• Nose: Ranier cherries, citrus peel
• Palate: Juicy and flavorful with excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 12.4%
• Score: 9
• Cost: $43

2024 Troon Vineyard “Glou-Glou” Red Blend

• Color: Pale ruby
• Nose: Cherries, raspberries
• Palate: Crunchy with hints of dried herbs.
• Alcohol: 12.3%
• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $25

2022 Spottswoode Estate “Lyndenhurst” Cabernet Sauvignon

• Color: Dark garnet
• Nose: Blackcurrant, black cherry
• Palate: Young and vibrant, excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 13.7%
• Score: 9
• Cost: $90

2021 St. Supéry “Elu” Red Blend

• Color: Opaque garnet
• Nose: Sweet oak, black cherries
• Palate: Juicy, well-integrated wood flavors.
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Score: 9
• Cost: $90

2021 Antinori Napa Valley “Antica” Cabernet Franc

• Color: Inky garnet
• Nose: Rich plum, chopped green herbs
• Palate: Rich black cherry wrapped in tannins.
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Score: 9–9.5
• Cost: TBD

2019 Antinori Napa Valley “Townsend” Cabernet Sauvignon

• Color: Opaque garnet
• Nose: Black cherry, blueberry
• Palate: Refined tannins with excellent length.
• Alcohol: 14.5%
• Score: 9–9.5
• Cost: $150

2003 Antinori Napa Valley “Townsend” Cabernet Sauvignon

• Color: Very dark ruby
• Nose: Cedar, tobacco
• Palate: Juicy cherry with hints of mint in the finish.
• Alcohol: TBD
• Score: 9.5
• Cost: N/A

2022 Aperture Cellars “Aperture Estate 1912 Vineyard” Red Blend

• Color: Dark garnet
• Nose: Blackberry, licorice
• Palate: Bright with excellent acidity and a robust fruit profile.
• Alcohol: 13.7%
• Score: 9–9.5
• Cost: $90

2021 Aperture Cellars “Devil Proof – Cima Ladera” Malbec

• Color: Very dark garnet
• Nose: Black cherry, blueberries
• Palate: Intense and rich, balanced acidity.
• Alcohol: 14.8%
• Score: 9.5
• Cost: $350

These selections exemplify the quality and diversity currently found in the wine market.

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!