Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Insights from the Week of September 21, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of wine samples that have arrived for tasting. This edition of Vinography Unboxed features standout bottles that I’ve encountered recently.

Among the highlights are the latest Chenin Blanc offerings from Dry Creek Vineyard. Celebrating over 50 years in the business, they introduced a delightful sparkling Chenin Blanc this year alongside their excellent standard bottling.

I also tasted selections from Darling Wines, which sent a variety of their current releases. Their Mariah Vineyard Chardonnay from Mendocino County impressed with its vibrant citrus notes, while the Turnstone Vineyard Pinot Noir offered a savory balance with a touch of salinity against its fruity profile. All four wines shared a lean, almost austere character, in line with the producer’s stylistic focus.

New releases from Aperture Cellars included two Sonoma County red wines and three estate wines. Standouts for me were the estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Farrow Ranch vineyard and their Bordeaux-style blend. I particularly enjoyed the 1912-planted field blend from beside the winery, which showcased a wonderful lightness and energy. However, it’s worth noting that their premium wines come in excessively heavy glass bottles, which raises environmental concerns.

Additionally, I sampled a fresh Cabernet Sauvignon from Tierra Roja in Oakville. Despite being rich and a bit sweet due to the warm 2022 vintage, this wine will appeal to fans of bold reds. However, like some others, it is packaged in a bottle that is heavier than necessary.

The weight of wine bottles often sends a message about luxury but can also sideline environmental considerations. High-end brands like Petrus demonstrate that light-weight bottles can still convey quality and prestige without compromising sustainability.

Tasting Notes

2023 Dry Creek Vineyard “Crémant Brut” Sparkling Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, California
A pale gold with medium bubbles, offering aromas of ripe apples and pears. The palate features a soft mousse with flavors of pear and Asian pear, complemented by hints of grapefruit and salinity. Fresh and enjoyable. 12.5% alcohol. Score: between 8.5 and 9. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2024 Dry Creek Vineyard “Wilson Ranch” Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, California
Pale greenish gold aromas of passionfruit and Asian pear lead into brisk pear and citrus flavors with notable acidity. 12% alcohol. Score: around 8.5. Cost: $18. click to buy.

2023 Aperture Cellars “Farrow Ranch Estate” Sauvignon Blanc, Alexander Valley, Sonoma, California
This wine features a pale greenish gold hue and bouquets of passionfruit, gooseberries, and new oak. Despite its layered flavors, the acidity is somewhat subdued. 13.8% alcohol. Score: around 8.5. Cost: $85.

2023 Darling Wines “Mariah Vineyard” Chardonnay, Mendocino Ridge, California
This pale gold wine exudes lemon oil and white flowers. On the palate, it presents citrus notes coupled with minerality and salinity. 12.5% alcohol. Score: around 9. Cost: $65. click to buy.

2022 Tierra Roja Cabernet Sauvignon, Oakville, Napa, California
An inky garnet hue leads to a nose of black fruit and espresso notes. The palate is rich, with sweet flavors and fine tannins. 14.8% alcohol. Score: around 9. Cost: $205. click to buy.

Key Takeaway

While the wines reviewed stand out for their quality, an ongoing conversation emerges about the environmental impact of wine packaging. Producers should consider lighter bottle options to align with sustainability efforts while delivering quality wines.

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!