Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of May 24, 2026

Hello and welcome to another exciting week of wine reviews where I sift through the plethora of wine samples that have landed on my doorstep. This week’s selection includes some fascinating bottles that are worth your attention.

One standout comes from Aperture Cellars in Sonoma: their barrel-fermented Sauvignon Blanc which impresses with its texture rather than overly prominent flavors. Another new entrant from Aperture is a crisp rosé created in collaboration with Montage Resort. Unfortunately, it’s tough to find outside the resort, but it’s worth trying if you can.

When it comes to value, Portuguese wines continue to shine. The Vinho Verde from Soalheiro is a must-try for anyone seeking a reliable Alvarinho. Another gem is the Antão Vaz from Adega das Flores, showcasing a vibrant balance of richness and crispness.

I also had the pleasure of tasting an amphora-aged wine from Beckham Estate. This red blend of Pinot Noir, Trousseau, and Gamay is remarkably light and refreshing, perfect for those looking to explore the diversity of the Willamette Valley wines.

From the Cimento winery in The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, I sampled some impressive Rhône-style wines. Their white blend and Grenache, crafted under the guidance of winemaker Todd Alexander, are rich and powerful, though they come with a higher price tag.

Switching back to Portugal, I recommend a couple of striking red wines. The Mouchão is a great representation of Alicante Bouschet, a grape that has truly found its home in Alentejo. For a pure expression of this grape, try Dona Maria’s version, which is rich in flavor and character.

Furthermore, the Quinta Vale Dona Maria produces a Vinhas Velhas bottling that exhibits the complexity of ancient vine field blends, though availability may be limited due to its small production.

Finally, on the Argentinian front, the older reserve Malbec from Doña Paula presents a bold profile with fruit-forward flavors and ample acidity, though its hefty bottle size might raise a few eyebrows.

Here are some tasting notes for these wines:

Tasting Notes

2024 Aperture Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma County, California

• Color: Palest gold
• Nose: Passionfruit, kiwifruit
• Palate: Bright passionfruit and green apple, silky texture, hint of florality
• Score: 9 – 9.5
• Cost: $50

2025 Quinta de Soalheiro Alvarinho, Vinhos Verdes, Portugal

• Color: Pale straw
• Nose: Green apple, guava, lime
• Palate: Candied lime zest, excellent acidity
• Score: around 9
• Cost: $22

2024 Adega das Flores Antão Vaz, Alentejo, Portugal

• Color: Pale gold
• Nose: Unripe mango, banana
• Palate: Bright citric, sweet oak
• Score: around 8.5

2025 Aperture Cellars Montage Estate Vineyard Rosé Blend, Alexander Valley, California

• Color: Pale peachy pink
• Nose: Citrus peel, hibiscus
• Palate: Crisp flavors with nice acidity
• Score: around 9

2023 Cimento Tenuta Blanca White Blend, The Rocks District, Oregon

• Color: Light gold
• Nose: Nougat, baked apples
• Palate: Rich, bright acidity
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $95

2024 Beckham Estate Amphora Noir Red Blend, Willamette Valley, Oregon

• Color: Light, hazy ruby
• Nose: Cherries, herbs
• Palate: Fresh, herbal, nice acidity
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $44

2020 Julio B. Bastos Alicante Bouschet, Alentejo, Portugal

• Color: Dark garnet
• Nose: Black cherry, blackberry
• Palate: Warm, powerful flavors
• Score: 8.5 – 9
• Cost: $150

2018 Heredade de Mouchão Red Blend, Alentejo, Portugal

• Color: Very dark garnet
• Nose: Plum, blackberry
• Palate: Juicy flavors, great balance
• Score: around 9
• Cost: $67

2020 Doña Paula Selección de Bodega Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

• Color: Very dark garnet
• Nose: Blueberries, black cherries
• Palate: Rich fruit flavors, good acidity
• Score: around 8.5
• Cost: $80

That’s it for this week. Enjoy exploring these wines!

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!