Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of November 23, 2025

Welcome to this week’s exploration of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. This edition of Vinography Unboxed features a selection of notable wines.

Starting off, I had the pleasure of tasting an Arneis from Limited Addition, a varietal not commonly found in Oregon. This white wine, sourced from the Roero region in Piedmont, Italy, showcased delightful flavors of apple and pear with a pleasing finish, though I felt it could benefit from a bit more sulfur in the winemaking process.

Next up was the Grüner Veltliner called “Pitch” from Markus Wine Co. This Lodi wine exhibited an oak influence that overshadowed its varietal signature, but it sparked my interest to revisit it in a couple of years.

A familiar name in the wine world, Troon Vineyard from Oregon, presented three amphora-fermented wines that were particularly impressive. Their "Amphora Amber," a skin-contact Vermentino, offered a brilliant texture and acidity, while the Mourvèdre had a fascinating earthy profile, and the Grenache showcased a delightful balance of earth and fruit—all Regenerative Organic Gold certified.

Finally, I explored wines from Bodega 202 located in Spain’s Rioja Alavesa region, founded in 2014 by Americans Francis and Kathleen Rooney. Managed by their son Michael alongside winemaker Luis Güemes, their focus on older vineyards resulted in wines that felt both confident and vibrant. I thoroughly enjoyed their 2016 offerings as well as the latest release from 2017.

Tasting Notes

2023 Limited Addition Arneis, Willamette Valley, Oregon
Pale gold, aromas of apples and white flowers. Bright apple and pear skin flavors with a hint of creaminess. Alcohol: 13% | Score: 8.5 | Cost: $30. Click to buy.

2024 Markus Wine Co. “Pitch” Grüner Veltliner, Lodi, California
Pale gold, nutty and pear nose. Pear and citrus flavors with subtle oak. Alcohol: 13.3% | Score: 8.5 | Cost: $25. Click to buy.

2023 Troon Vineyard “Amphora Amber” Skin-contact Vermentino, Southern Oregon
Medium gold, aromas of poached pears. Flavorful and textured with notes of citrus. Alcohol: 12.1% | Score: 8.5 – 9 | Cost: $55.

2024 Troon Vineyard “Amphora” Mourvèdre, Southern Oregon
Medium garnet, with orange peel and berries on the nose. Vibrant berry flavors and minerality. Alcohol: 12.9% | Score: 8.5 – 9 | Cost: $65.

2024 Troon Vineyard “Amphora” Grenache, Southern Oregon
Medium garnet, strawberry jam aroma. Juicy flavors with herbaceous notes. Alcohol: 14.2% | Score: 8.5 – 9 | Cost: $55.

2016 Bodega 202 “Aistear” Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain
Dark garnet, black cherry and olive notes. Balanced with excellent acidity. Alcohol: 14% | Score: 9 | Cost: $35.

2016 Bodega 202 “Ansa” Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain
Very dark garnet, floral and cherry aromas. Juicy fruit flavors with a powdery tannin finish. Alcohol: 14.5% | Score: 9 – 9.5 | Cost: $49.

2017 Bodega 202 “Ansa” Tempranillo, Rioja, Spain
Very dark garnet, complex aromas of cherry and mocha. Strong tannins with a flavorful finish. Alcohol: 14.5% | Score: 9 – 9.5 | Cost: $49.

This week’s tastings offered a wonderful dive into both local and international wines, showcasing a range of flavors and styles across lesser-known grape varieties.

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!