Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Insights from the Week of March 29, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of intriguing wine samples that have recently arrived. In this edition of Vinography Unboxed, I bring you highlights from some exceptional bottles.

Starting with two selections from Helen Keplinger’s personal label, known for her Rhône and Spanish-influenced blends. The first is the ethereal 2023 Keplinger “El Dorado” White Blend, characterized by its crystalline, weightless quality and notes of peaches and white flowers. The other is Keplinger’s 2023 “Versailles – Paderewski Vineyard” Red Blend, a lush mix of Grenache, Mourvedre, and a hint of Viognier, bursting with juicy flavors of chocolate-covered strawberries and blueberries.

I also had the pleasure of tasting Ridge Vineyard’s 2025 “Heringer” Chenin Blanc, which stood out with its distinct grapefruit and herbal notes, and their two notable Zinfandels. The 2024 Ridge Vineyards “Pagani Ranch” Zinfandel exhibits bold flavors of blueberries and chocolate, while the 2024 Ridge Vineyards “Lytton Springs” presents a level of complexity and depth that distinguishes it amongst Californian offerings.

For sparkling wine enthusiasts, the 2017 JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset “No.8 Brut” Champagne Blend entices with its generous fruitiness, while the 2022 Goldeneye “Brut” Sparkling Rosé offers a classic bubbly character that could appeal to many.

Lastly, I evaluated two selections from Duckhorn Vineyards. The 2022 Duckhorn “Rector Creek Vineyard” Merlot combines rich, muscular tannins with bright acidity, making it enjoyable despite its hefty bottle. In contrast, the 2022 Duckhorn Merlot from Carneros leans towards a woodier profile with mocha undertones.

Tasting Notes

• 2023 Keplinger “El Dorado” White Blend, California
  Score: 9, Price: $60
  click to buy.

• 2025 Ridge Vineyards “Heringer” Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg, California
  Score: 9, Price: $35
  click to buy.

• 2017 JCB by Jean-Charles Boisset “No.8 Brut” Champagne Blend, Cremant de Bourgogne, Burgundy, France
  Score: 8.5, Price: $23

• 2022 Goldeneye “Brut” Sparkling Rosé, Anderson Valley, Mendocino, California
  Score: 8.5, Price: $74
  click to buy.

• 2024 Ridge Vineyards “Pagani Ranch” Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley, Sonoma County, California
  Score: between 8.5 and 9, Price: $40
  click to buy.

• 2024 Ridge Vineyards “Lytton Springs” Red Blend, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
  Score: 9.5, Price: $56
  click to buy.

• 2022 Duckhorn Vineyards “Rector Creek Vineyard” Merlot, Napa Valley
  Score: between 8.5 and 9, Price: $115
  click to buy.

• 2022 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot, Carneros
  Score: 8.5, Price: $82
  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!