Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of August 17, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of noteworthy wine samples. This edition of Vinography Unboxed features some exceptional bottles that have recently arrived for tasting.

This week included a selection from Bodega Colomé in Salta, Argentina, renowned for its high-altitude vineyards. Their Estate Torrontés is aromatic with fruity notes, while the Estate Malbec is rich and juicy, both representing great value.

From Anaba Wines in Sonoma, I received several intriguing new releases. Their Picpoul, part of their wine club offerings, is one of the finest examples of California Picpoul I’ve encountered—fresh, bright, and deliciously saline. Additionally, both the Turbine White blend and their red offerings, including La Colline GSM and Bismarck Vineyard Syrah, are highly satisfying.

In Italy’s Chianti region, Isole e Olena continues its legacy with a new batch of wines, including their top-tier Chardonnay, the acclaimed Cepperello, and a Chianti Classico that quickly became the standout.

Lastly, I received two offerings from Portugal’s Douro region, courtesy of Quinta do Vesuvio, owned by the Symington Port family. Known for its exceptional Ports, the estate is also producing remarkable dry reds. I sampled their Comboio, which showcases traditional fruit flavors in a fresh style, and the Pombal, a single-vineyard wine with aging in oak, offering a bit more complexity.

Tasting Notes

2024 Bodega Colomé “Estate” Torrontés

• Origin: Valle Calchaquí, Salta, Argentina
• Notes: Pale gold, green apple and white flower aromas, juicy melon and apple flavors, acidity gives a tangy bite.
• Alcohol: 13.5% | Score: 8.5 | Cost: $13.

2024 Anaba Picpoul Blanc

• Origin: Sonoma Valley, California
• Notes: Pale gold, lemon and grapefruit bouquet, vibrant flavors with a faint salinity.
• Alcohol: 13.4% | Score: 9 | Cost: $38.

2024 Anaba “Turbine White” Blend

• Origin: Sonoma Valley, California
• Notes: Light gold, aromas of lemon curd and bee pollen, bright flavors with excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 13.7% | Score: 8.5-9 | Cost: $42.

2022 Isole e Olena “Colleccion Privada” Chardonnay

• Origin: Tuscany, Italy
• Notes: Light greenish gold, lemon zest aroma, silky texture with citrus and nutty notes.
• Alcohol: 14% | Score: 8.5-9 | Cost: $105.

2022 Anaba “Bismark Vineyard” Syrah

• Origin: Moon Mountain District, Sonoma, California
• Notes: Inky garnet, aromas of blackberry and iodine, flavors of berry with snappy acidity.
• Alcohol: 14.1% | Score: 8.5-9 | Cost: $40.

2022 Quinta do Vesuvio “Comboio do Vesuvio” Red Blend

• Origin: Douro, Portugal
• Notes: Dark garnet, aromas of black cherry and blood oranges, bright juiciness with excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 13.5% | Score: 8.5-9 | Cost: $25.

2022 Quinta do Vesuvio “Pombal do Vesuvio” Red Blend

• Origin: Douro, Portugal
• Notes: Dark garnet, black cherry and bergamot aromas, juicy with lingering citrus peel tang.
• Alcohol: 14% | Score: 8.5-9 | Cost: $32.

This roundup provides a selection of wines that showcase the diversity and quality available from various regions.

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!