Vinography Unboxed: Highlights & Insights from the Week of February 22, 2026

Hello and welcome to my latest roundup of wine samples that have landed at my door. This week, I want to introduce you to some impressive bottles I’ve discovered.

New California Sparkling Wines

I recently came across Westborn, a new sparkling wine project in California. It’s a collaboration among three winemakers: Weston Eidson, Russell Bevan, and Nathan Reeves. They aim to create blended wines, pulling together grapes from various vineyard parcels across Napa and Sonoma.

I tasted three of their offerings: the Perpetual Cuvee (a blend of reserve wines and the 2020 vintage), the 2018 vintage Brut, and the 2019 Rosé. All three were excellent, particularly the vintage Brut and the Rosé, which showcased a classic style with a slightly ripe fruit expression.

Starfield Vineyards

I was also introduced to Starfield Vineyards in El Dorado County, where brothers Tom and Rob Sinton run a 67-acre property featuring 28.23 acres of grapes across 16 varieties, mainly those from the Rhône region. They practice sustainable and regenerative viticulture and are transitioning to full organic certification.

From their collection, I recommend four wines, with my favorite being their vibrant Grenache, ideal for chilling on a warm day.

Mature Napa Vintages

I had the pleasure of sampling some mature Napa wines as well. The 2009 vintage from The Mascot is a classic Napa red, showcasing integrated oak and a delicious profile, fitting what Napa enthusiasts desire in Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2016 vintage of Continuum enhances that experience, offering a richly balanced glass with fruit and mocha notes.

Tasting Notes

• NV Westborn Brut “Perpetual Reserve NV.01” Sparkling Champagne Blend
  Light yellow-gold, with aromas of lemon curd and golden apples. The palate features tart apple skin lingering on a voluminous mousse. Score: 8.5 to 9; Cost: $88. buy here

• 2018 Westborn Brut Champagne Blend
  Aromas of candied lemon and cashews, delivering flavors of golden apples and vanilla. Score: around 9; Cost: $120. buy here

• 2019 Westborn Brut Sparkling Rosé
  Showcasing pink copper hues, with hibiscus and berries on the nose. The palate features flavors of sour fruits with a lovely textured finish. Score: around 9; Cost: $150. buy here

• 2024 Starfield Vineyards “Hope Rising” White Blend
  With aromas of green apples and white flowers, this blend is smooth but could use more acidity. Score: around 8.5; Cost: $36. buy here

• 2023 Starfield Vineyards Grenache
  The mouthfeel is grippy, with strawberry notes and decent acidity. Score: between 8.5 and 9; Cost: $42. buy here

• 2009 The Mascot Proprietary Red
  Rich and balanced with notes of mocha and dark cherry. Score: around 9; Cost: $190. buy here

• 2016 Continuum Red Blend
  A velvety blend with great acidity, showcasing flavors of black cherry and plums. Score: around 9.5; Cost: $268. 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!