Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of July 5, 2026

Hello and welcome to another edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I sift through an assortment of wine samples that have recently arrived at my doorstep. This week, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on some noteworthy bottles worth considering.

Kicking off with a delightful Sauvignon Blanc from Refugio Ranch in Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Valley. This wine boasts a tropical profile, with a playful hint of green guava candy reminiscent of what you might find at a Chinese restaurant, making it perfect for summer sipping when chilled.

Speaking of Oregon, while Chardonnay currently shines, Pinot Gris was once thought to be the state’s white wine superstar. Domaine Divio has a commendable version they refer to as Pinot Beurot, the traditional Burgundy name for the variety.

To the south in Oregon, Troon Vineyard is perfecting Vermentino, a grape that adapts admirably to the heat and drought challenges. Their version is marked by great acidity and appealing fruit notes.

From Mascarin Vineyards, I recommend their Estate Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast, characterized by a crisp, waxy texture. Their rosé of Pinot Noir also stands out, delivering the right flavor profile, albeit with slightly less acidity than desired.

I especially enjoyed the Carignan Rosé from Minus Tide, known for its vibrant acidity and intriguing berry and citrus flavors. For fans of an electric rosé, this one will not disappoint.

Last week, I began exploring the new single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Ross Cobb. This week, I finish my notes on this series, with four highly recommended bottles. Each showcases Cobb’s finesse, with the Coastlands bottling exemplifying its herbal, berry, and citrus brightness—definitely worth seeking out for those who appreciate quality Coastal Pinot Noir.

Interestingly, I believe there should be more Gamay produced in California, especially with our success in crafting Pinot Noir. Presqu’ile has embraced this idea and created a Gamay that features vibrant herbal notes.

Lastly, Spottswoode has unveiled a new bottling of their Lyndenhurst Cabernet Sauvignon. Traditionally a more accessible option, the 2023 vintage has taken a more serious turn, suggesting a few years of bottle age for optimal flavor release.

Tasting Notes

2025 Refugio Ranch “Tiradora” Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Ynez Valley
Color: Pale greenish gold
Aroma: White flowers, passionfruit, guava
Taste: Silky, tropical guava, good acidity, nice chalky texture
Alcohol: 14.1%. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $50. link

2025 Domaine Divio Pinot Beurot, Willamette Valley
Color: Pale gold
Aroma: Pears, white flowers, lemon pith
Taste: Pears, white flowers with pastry cream, good acidity
Alcohol: 12.9%. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $40. link

2025 Troon Vineyard Vermentino, Applegate Valley
Color: Pale gold
Aroma: Bread dough, pears, white flowers
Taste: Pear, lemon pith with saline minerality
Alcohol: 11.9%. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $31. link

2023 Mascarin “Dalya Estate Vineyard” Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast
Color: Light yellow gold
Aroma: Lemon curd, cooked apple, herbs
Taste: Briny lemon peel, excellent acidity
Alcohol: 13.1%. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $60. link

2025 Minus Tide “Trimble Ranch” Rosé of Carignan, Mendocino County
Color: Pale pink
Aroma: Rosehips, rhubarb, raspberries
Taste: Juicy, tangy with a chalky finish
Alcohol: 13.3%. Score: ~9. Cost: $27. link

2023 Cobb “Rice Spivak” Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Color: Medium to dark garnet
Aroma: Wet earth, cherries, blood orange
Taste: Rich cherries with excellent acidity
Alcohol: 14%. Score: ~9.5. Cost: $80. link

2023 Spottswoode “Lyndenhurst” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Color: Dark garnet
Aroma: Black cherries, blackcurrant, oak
Taste: Juicy blackcurrant and cherries, suggest aging
Alcohol: 13.5%. Score: 9-9.5. Cost: $110. link

Explore these fantastic selections and enjoy your next glass of wine!

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!