Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of November 9, 2025

This week, I explored a selection of enticing wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. Among them were two noteworthy Rieslings from the West Coast. The first, from Erni Loosen’s Oregon-based Appassionata Vineyards, is a 2018 vintage displaying a lovely balance of faint sweetness alongside stony citrus notes. Loosen’s wines are crafted only in exceptional vintages and are released when fully ready for enjoyment.

The second Riesling, produced by Smith-Madrone on Napa’s Spring Mountain, is a reliable representation of the grape, exhibiting dryness and vibrant flavors of citrus and Asian pear. This wine is a testament to decades of consistency from the Smith brothers.

Additionally, Chateau Montelena sent over two new releases, among which their Chardonnay stood out for its bright, modern profile devoid of excessive buttery or oak notes. In contrast, their Cabernet Sauvignon appeared somewhat more conventional and oak-driven but displayed restraint in ripeness.

A skin-contact Pinot Gris from Limited Addition captured my attention with its rosé-like appearance and delightful aromatics, complemented by a structure that pairs well with food.

Two new offerings from Minus Tide were also part of the tasting. Their Anderson Valley Pinot Noir showed significantly more oak influence than expected, overshadowing its cool-climate fruit. However, their Yorkville Highlands Cabernet Sauvignon provided a nostalgic nod to 1970s California Cabernet with herbal notes merging seamlessly with blackcurrant, cherry, and plum flavors.

Winemaker Markus Niggli from Lodi shared an intriguing old-vine field blend from a 1938 vineyard, rich in red and black fruits yet burdened by too much new oak. Conversely, his old-vine Shiraz held its oak balance better with captivating dark iodine and blackberry notes.

Lastly, Unti Vineyards introduced their Segromigno blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano, showcasing bright cherry fruit, alongside their Barbera, which offered classic black cherry and citrus peel characteristics. Both wines are expected to age nicely.

Tasting Notes

• 2018 Appassionata Vineyards “GG” Riesling, Chehalem Mountains
  Pale greenish gold, aroma of honeysuckle and citrus. Flavor: mandarin orange, white flowers, excellent acidity. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $50. Buy here.

• 2021 Smith-Madrone Riesling, Spring Mountain District
  Pale gold, smells of honeysuckle and mandarin. Taste: Asian pear and pomelo pith, perfectly dry. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $40. Buy here.

• 2023 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay, Napa Valley
  Pale greenish gold, aroma of lemon curd. Flavor: bright citrus notes, excellent acidity. Score: around 9. Cost: $75. Buy here.

• 2022 Limited Addition “Old Vine – Skin Fermented” Pinot Gris, Eola-Amity Hills
  Pale blood red, aromas of orange peel and strawberries. Flavor: citrus peel and wet leaves, very good acidity. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $42. Buy here.

• 2023 Minus Tide “Hacienda Sequoia Vineyard” Pinot Noir
  Medium garnet, smells of cranberries and earth. Flavor: sweet oak with raspberry hints. Score: around 8.5. Cost: $60. Buy here.

• 2022 Markus Wine Co. “The Church – Ancient Blocks” Red Blend, Lodi
  Medium to dark garnet, cherries and blackberries on the nose. Flavor: mixed black and blue fruits, good acidity. Score: around 8.5. Cost: $41. Buy here.

• 2023 Markus Wine Co. “Old Vine Shiraz” Syrah, Lodi
  Medium garnet, earthy aroma with spice hints. Flavor: blackberry and black cherry with lingering oak. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $41.

• 2022 Unti Vineyards “Segromigno” Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley
  Medium to dark garnet, cherries and strawberries. Taste: sweet cherry notes, excellent acidity. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $38. Buy here.

• 2023 Unti Vineyards Barbera, Dry Creek Valley
  Inky dark purple, aromas of blackberries and flowers. Flavor: black and sour cherries with a hint of herbs. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $36. Buy here.

• 2022 Minus Tide “Vine View Ranch” Cabernet Sauvignon
  Dark garnet, aroma of blackcurrant and herbs. Flavor: bright plum and blackcurrant, reminiscent of classic 1970s California Cabernet. Score: around 9. Cost: $60. Buy here.

• 2021 Chateau Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon, Calistoga
  Very dark garnet, aroma of black cherry. Flavor: sweet oak and blackcurrant. Score: around 8.5. Cost: $85. Buy here.

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!