Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of May 25, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of exquisite wine samples that have landed on my doorstep. Here’s a look at the standout bottles I’ve experienced recently, featuring selections from California, Oregon, and Washington.

A gold mine for discovering exceptional wines is to delve into the personal projects of assistant winemakers from reputable producers. Caitlin Quinn, currently at Arnot-Roberts Winery in Healdsburg, makes small batches of wine on the side. Her Rhyolite White, an intriguing blend of Assyrtiko, Falanghina, and Ribolla Gialla, is a delightful find and may well be the best white wine under $25 from California.

From Trothe, a new brand founded by the Andrews Family who has been cultivating grapes in Washington’s Horse Heaven Hills, I tasted several wines. Their Sauvignon Blanc is crafted in a Bordeaux Blanc style, showing promise for aging. Their offerings, including Cabernet, Syrah, and Mourvedre, cater to those who enjoy bold, ripe styles.

Regular shipments from Big Table Farm in Oregon’s Willamette Valley are always a pleasure, not just for the delicious biodynamic wines produced by Clare Carver and Brian Macy, but also for the inventive labels. Among this week’s highlights is their 2023 Chardonnay, “The Elusive Queen,” along with several 2023 Pinot Noirs, notably the one from Pelos Sandberg Vineyard.

Winemaker Matt Cline and his wife Erin focus on old vine vineyards under their label Three Wine Company. Their wines are varied, but I particularly enjoyed the Faux Pas red blend, a refreshingly chillable mix of Carignane, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Mataro, perfect for barbecues.

New releases from Rhys Vineyards never disappoint. This week, I sampled their 2022 Bearwallow and Mt. Pajaro Pinot Noirs. The Bearwallow is somewhat closed and may benefit from aging, while the Mt. Pajaro, from the Santa Cruz Mountains, is vibrant and ready to enjoy.

Tasting Notes

2023 Nonesuch Wines “Rhyolite White” White Blend, Sonoma County, California

• Tasting Notes: Orange peel, mango, apricot, with tropical richness.
• Pairing: Excellent for light dishes.
• Score: 9-9.5
• Cost: $25

2023 Big Table Farm “The Elusive Queen” Chardonnay, Willamette Valley, Oregon

• Tasting Notes: Star fruit, lemon peel, and great acidity.
• Score: 9
• Cost: $95

2022 Trothe Sauvignon Blanc, Columbia Valley, Washington

• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, lemon, and golden delicious apples.
• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $65

2024 Three Wine Company “Faux Pas” Red Blend, California

• Tasting Notes: Boysenberry, cherry, and dried herbs.
• Score: 8.5
• Cost: $20

2023 Big Table Farm Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon

• Tasting Notes: Dried flowers, raspberries, with earthy undertones.
• Score: 9
• Cost: $50

2022 Rhys Vineyards “Bearwallow Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Mendocino, California

• Tasting Notes: Earthy cranberry and raspberry flavors.
• Score: 9
• Cost: $89

2022 Rhys Vineyards “Mt. Pajaro Vineyard” Pinot Noir, California

• Tasting Notes: Bright raspberry and sour cherry flavors with an earthy finish.
• Score: 9-9.5
• Cost: $89

Explore the diverse world of wines, and may your next glass lead to surprising flavors and experiences!

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!