Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of December 7, 2025

Hello and welcome to this week’s update from Vinography, where I highlight noteworthy wine samples I’ve recently tasted.

This week featured selections from Ted Glennon, a sommelier-turned-winemaker producing under the label Vinos Finos de California. Among my favorites were his Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and a sophisticated Nebbiolo, alongside an earthy Syrah and a classic Cabernet Sauvignon from the Carmel Valley.

I also enjoyed a Pinot Noir from Madson Wines, crafted by Ken Swegles, which presented a pleasing coniferous quality with a savory-fruit balance. Stewart Cellars dispatched several bottles, including a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and a GSM blend, but the highlight was their two Cabernets. The 2023 Montecillo Vineyard Old Vines Cabernet Sauvignon feels youthful and oaky, while the 2021 Yountville Cabernet is nearing its prime, with both showcasing excellent quality despite using heavy glass bottles.

Epoch Estate continues its charitable efforts with the annual “Gratitude” Grenache, with a portion of proceeds supporting the Salvation Army of Paso Robles. Lastly, Rodney Strong sent me their Symmetry, a Bordeaux-style blend that balances oak and fruit flavors, catering to oak enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes

2022 Vinos Finos de California “Lasai – Escolle Vineyard” Chardonnay
Pale gold, aromas of lemon curd and white flowers. Bright flavors of lemon curd and pink grapefruit with toasted oak. Scoring between 8.5 and 9. Price: $75.

2023 Madson Wines “Branciforte Vineyard” Pinot Noir
Light garnet shade, smells of raspberries and cedar. Taste: sour cherry with excellent acidity. Score: between 8.5 and 9. Price: $60.

2023 Stewart Cellars “Nomad – Thornton Vineyard” Pinot Noir
Medium garnet, notes of cranberries. Juicy palate with earthy hints. Score: around 8.5. Price: $95.

2023 Vinos Finos de California “Vöcal – Lobo Marino” Pinot Noir
Light garnet, aromas of raspberries. Flavor profile features a herbal savoriness alongside excellent acidity. Score: around 8.5. Price: $50.

2023 Vinos Finos de California “Nebbiolo d’Alta – Regan Vineyard” Nebbiolo
Light ruby, nose includes strawberries and orange peel. Tasting notes of strawberries and fresh acidity. Score: between 8.5 and 9. Price: $95.

2021 Epoch Estate “Gratitude” Grenache
Medium garnet, aromas of strawberries and herbs. Great acidity with well-balanced flavor. Score: around 9. Price: $75.

2023 Stewart Cellars “GSM – Rossi Ranch Vineyard” Red Blend
Dark garnet, with roasted nut aromas. Flavors of mocha and dark berries. Score: around 8.5. Price: $65.

2022 Vinos Finos de California “Vöcal” Cabernet Sauvignon
Very dark garnet, earthy and savory with a stony quality. Score: between 8.5 and 9. Price: $75.

2019 Rodney Strong “Symmetry” Red Blend
Medium to dark garnet, sweet oak and mocha aromas. A blend with excellent acidity. Score: between 8.5 and 9. Price: $51.

2023 Vinos Finos de California “La Leona de la Suerte – Escolle Vineyard” Syrah
Medium to dark garnet, smells of blackberries. Flavor profile includes a faint salinity. Score: between 8.5 and 9. Price: $125.

2023 Stewart Cellars “Nomad – Montecillo Vineyard Old Vine” Cabernet Sauvignon
Very dark garnet, notes of chocolate and cherry. Oak influence noted but expected to improve with age. Score: around 9. Price: $175.

2021 Stewart Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, Yountville
Inky garnet, with excellent acidity and integrated oak. Score: around 9. Price: $83.

We invite you to discover these intriguing wines and consider their varying price points and notable qualities when choosing your next bottle.

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!