Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of March 1, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I share my experiences with some recent wine samples I’ve had the pleasure of tasting.

This week, I’m excited to recommend a couple of wines from Starfield Vineyards located in El Dorado County. Their Viognier and Mourvèdre showcase higher-elevation expressions of these Rhône varietals, with the Mourvèdre standing out for its rich dark fruit profile.

I also received three bottles of Rosato from Masseria Li Veli, a renowned estate in Puglia, Italy. Salento, a lesser-known region, produces some of my favorite rosés. Among the three, my top pick is the Susamaniello, crafted from an obscure grape variety of the same name. If you encounter any Salento rosé, go ahead; it’s likely to be a delightful choice.

From Pali Wine Co., I sampled two single-vineyard wines featuring a richer style tempered by cooler climate influences, which keep their alcohol levels in check.

Dutton-Goldfield sent over some current releases that did not disappoint. Their two single-vineyard Pinot Noirs offer juiciness and age-worthiness, while their Morelli Lane Zinfandel provides a delightful ethereal drinking experience.

For Syrah enthusiasts, I recommend the offering from Kizor Family Cellars. This small project emphasizes Riesling and Syrah, with their Syrah displaying a savory complexity that suggests it would benefit from some time in the bottle.

Tasting Notes

2024 Starfield Vineyards Viognier, El Dorado, California
Pale gold, aromas of peaches and orange peel, flavors of orange peel, apricot, and pear. Good acidity, though I wish for more zip. 13.7% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $36. click to buy.

2025 Masseria Li Veli “Torrerose” Rosato of Negroamaro, Puglia, Italy
Pale pink, bouquet of citrus peel and berries, and flavors of crisp watermelon and berries with excellent acidity. 12% alcohol. Score: between 8.5 and 9. Cost: $20. click to buy.

2025 Masseria Li Veli “Askos” Rosato of Susumaniello, Puglia, Italy
Pale pink, scents of watermelon rind and hints of berries. Bright, tangy with juicy acidity creating a refreshing sip. 12% alcohol. Score: 9. Cost: $30. click to buy.

2022 Pali Wine Co. “Pali Vineyard” Pinot Noir, California
Medium garnet with aromas of cherry and brown sugar, flavors of cherry and cranberry with a slightly lower acidity. 14% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $85. click to buy.

2023 Dutton Goldfield “Docker Hill Vineyard” Pinot Noir, California
Medium garnet, noses of cherries and raspberries. A palate of raspberry and pomegranate flavors, muscular tannins with aging potential. 13.5% alcohol. Score: 9. Cost: $80.

2023 Kizor Syrah, Sonoma Mountain, California
Dark garnet, aromas of dark berries and wet iron. A savory palate with blueberry and blackberry flavors alongside earthy notes. 12.8% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $48. click to buy.

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!