Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of May 18, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of wine tastings in "Vinography Unboxed." Here are some notable bottles I encountered recently.

I sampled a pair of new releases from Eden Rift Vineyards, their Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Both wines showcase the vineyard’s skill, especially the Chardonnay, which balances oak and fruit well, while the Pinot Noir displays less oak influence but remains enjoyable.

Following that, I tasted the Camp Meeting Ridge Chardonnay and Seaview Pinot Noir from Flowers Vineyards and Winery. While both have their merits for high-end buyers, I found the Pinot Noir particularly appealing.

Next, I explored the offerings from Minus Tide Wines. Their Carignan-based rosé is pleasantly crisp, the Pinot Noir is flavorful yet herbal—a bit too much for my taste—and the cool-climate Syrah from Valenti Vineyard stands out as excellent.

An interesting find was Cliff Lede’s "Wild Fantasy" red blend. This wine is exceptionally fruity for a Napa red, leading me to question its alcohol content of 13.8%. Its rich, plush flavor seems inconsistent with that alcohol level, suggesting some intervention was likely used in its production.

Lastly, I reviewed a recent selection from Aperture Cellars, notably their single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons and the newly named Red Blend, Proterra. While I consistently appreciate their wines, I must criticize their use of excessively heavy bottles, which contradicts modern environmental considerations. Highlights from this lineup include the SJ Ranch and Proterra, both offering a notable vibrancy and depth.

Tasting Notes

2022 Eden Rift “Estate” Chardonnay
Origin: Cienega Valley, California
Notes: Pale gold; lemon pith, green herbs, orange peel; crisp acidity.
Score: 9. Cost: $42.

2023 Flowers Vineyards “Camp Meeting Ridge” Chardonnay
Origin: Sonoma Coast, California
Notes: Light greenish gold; lemon curd, hints of toasted oak; silky texture.
Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $100.

2024 Minus Tide “Feliz Creek Vineyard” Rosé of Carignan
Origin: Mendocino County, California
Notes: Pale coppery ruby; red apple skin, sour cherry; excellent acidity.
Score: 9. Cost: $27.

2022 Eden Rift “Estate” Pinot Noir
Origin: Cienega Valley, California
Notes: Light garnet; ripe cherry, raspberry; fresh acidity.
Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $48.

2022 Minus Tide “Manchester Ridge Vineyard” Pinot Noir
Origin: Mendocino Ridge, California
Notes: Medium ruby; savory herbs, red berries; herbal prominence.
Score: 8.5. Cost: $48.

2023 Flowers Vineyards “Sea View Ridge” Pinot Noir
Origin: Sonoma Coast, California
Notes: Medium garnet; cranberry, raspberry; juicy acidity.
Score: 9. Cost: $115.

2023 Minus Tide “Valenti Vineyard” Syrah
Origin: Mendocino Ridge, California
Notes: Medium to dark garnet; blueberry, black cherry; mouthwatering.
Score: 9. Cost: $42.

2022 Cliff Lede “Wild Fantasy” Red Blend
Origin: Stags Leap District, Napa, California
Notes: Dark garnet; intense candied fruit; plush, velvety.
Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $115.

2022 Aperture Cellars “Oliver Ranch” Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin: Alexander Valley, California
Notes: Inky garnet; rich fruits, earthy undertones; muscular finish.
Score: 9-9.5. Cost: $150.

2022 Aperture Cellars “SJ Ranch” Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin: Alexander Valley, California
Notes: Inky garnet; pure cherry fruit; coated tannins.
Score: 9.5. Cost: $165.

2022 Aperture Cellars “Del Rio Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon
Origin: Alexander Valley, California
Notes: Inky garnet; dark fruits, spices; well-acidified.
Score: 9-9.5. Cost: $150.

2022 Aperture Cellars “Proterra” Red Blend
Origin: Alexander Valley, California
Notes: Inky garnet; complex flavor profile, plush tannins.
Score: 9.5. Cost: $175.

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!