Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of June 28, 2026

Hello and welcome to my weekly exploration of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. This edition of Vinography Unboxed showcases several noteworthy bottles.

We begin with a Chardonnay from Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez Valley, California. This modern interpretation features great acidity and low alcohol, without overwhelming butter notes—perfectly balancing oak undertones. Included in my reviews is their Sangre de Dioses blend, primarily Sangiovese, marked by richness at only 12.9% alcohol.

Continuing with Chardonnay, I highlight Big Table Farm, a regenerative biodynamic producer in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The Elusive Queen Chardonnay impressed with its vibrant complexity, while two of their Pinot Noirs, Earth and Pelos Sandberg, combined fruitiness with savory herbal elements through good whole cluster usage.

In Sonoma County, Mascarin Wines offers the Moonshine Ranch Vineyard Pinot Noir, praised for its bright acidity and forward fruit flavors.

Winemaker Ross Cobb, known for his expertise in Sonoma coastal Pinot Noir, showcases his range of single-vineyard wines under Cobb Wines. This week’s four selections include a standout, the Monticue bottling, which is particularly impressive.

Additionally, I recommend a Bordeaux-style blend from Gainey Vineyard called Ines. This wine fuses equal parts Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, appealing to fans of fuller-bodied reds at a moderate 14.1% alcohol.

Tasting Notes

• 2024 Roblar Vineyards “Reserve” Chardonnay
  Aromas of white flowers, pomelo, and lemon lead to nutty flavors mingling with oak. Fresh acidity balances it well. 12.9% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $60.

• 2024 Big Table Farm “The Elusive Queen” Chardonnay
  Perfumed with lemon and white flowers, this wine is zesty and complex, complemented by a mineral undertone. 13.3% alcohol. Score: 9 – 9.5. Cost: $95.

• 2024 Big Table Farm “Earth” Pinot Noir
  Smelling of forest floor and ripe fruits, it has a smooth texture with herbal finishes. 13.1% alcohol. Score: 9. Cost: $55.

• 2024 Big Table Farm “Pelos Sandberg” Pinot Noir
  Earthy with notes of cherry and herbs, it features fine tannins. 12.7% alcohol. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $72.

• 2023 Mascarin “Moonshine Ranch Vineyard” Pinot Noir
  Tart cherries and powdery tannins shine through this medium garnet offering. 13.2% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $69.

• 2023 Cobb “Emmaline Ann Vineyard” Pinot Noir
  A blend of sour cherries and herbs with good acidity, missing some complexity this time. 13% alcohol. Score: 9 – 9.5. Cost: $85.

• 2023 Cobb “Monticue Vineyard” Pinot Noir
  Bright red fruits and herbs make this wine energetic and mouthwatering, an outstanding selection. 12.7% alcohol. Score: 9.5. Cost: $85.

• 2023 Cobb “Abigail’s Vineyard” Pinot Noir
  Sour cherries and dried herbs create a gorgeous profile with soft tannins. 12.5% alcohol. Score: 9.5. Cost: $90.

• 2023 Cobb “Doc’s Ranch” Pinot Noir
  Cherry and earth flavors combined with fine tannins create a serious yet stunning experience. 13% alcohol. Score: 9.5. Cost: $90.

• 2023 Gainey Vineyard “Ines” Red Blend
  Dark and fruit-forward, this wine features plush tannins with good acidity. 14.1% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $56.

• 2023 Roblar Vineyards “Sangre de Dioses” Red Blend
  Plush cherries and mocha notes wrapped in velvety tannins and decent acidity. 12.9% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $70.

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!