Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of July 12, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I sift through a selection of intriguing wine samples that have recently arrived at my doorstep.

This past week featured notable white wines from Napa Valley, particularly from Inglenook, a historic estate that has been painstakingly restored by the team working for owner Francis Ford Coppola. Their Sauvignon Blanc stood out as one of the finest in the valley, and the oak-infused Bordeaux-style white blend was equally impressive, both available at surprisingly reasonable prices.

From Sicily, I received samples from Tasca d’Almerita, showcasing their Etna Bianco and Etna Rosso wines from the Tenuta Tascante brand. Both wines are characterized by freshness, minerality, and aromatic notes typical of their volcanic origins, listed at under $30 each.

I also tasted two additional whites from Gainey Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley: a vibrant Sauvignon Gris with tropical undertones and a Chardonnay with a bit more oak influence than I preferred. Their estate Syrah, while oaky, presents attractive black fruit flavors balanced by good acidity.

Among the highlights were new releases from Randall Grahm’s Popelouchum, including “Popelouchum Blanc,” a remarkable white blend of Grenache Blanc and Grenache Gris, praised for its flinty character, and the savory “Exuberance” Pinot Noir.

Lastly, I explored wines from Virginia, including a Meritage from 7 Lady Vineyards that leans on Merlot and Petit Verdot, while exhibiting some refreshing notes, hindered only by its heavy bottle. The Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc offered a nice balance of berry and herbal notes with a strong oak presence, and the reserve Cabernet Franc from Valley Road Vineyards impressed with its freshness and balance.

Tasting Notes

2024 Inglenook Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford, Napa, California

• Profile: Pale gold, lemon peel, kiwi, salinity.
• Taste: Great acidity, chalky texture.
• Score: 9.5.
• Price: $40. Buy here

2024 Inglenook Blancaneaux White Blend, Rutherford, Napa, California

• Profile: Pale gold, vanilla, white peach.
• Taste: Bright acidity with a saline quality.
• Score: 9-9.5.
• Price: $57. Buy here

2025 Tascante Buonora White Blend, Etna, Sicily, Italy

• Profile: Palest gold, lime zest, sea air.
• Taste: Juicy acidity with a light wet pavement finish.
• Score: 8.5-9.
• Price: $30. Buy here

2025 Gainey Vineyard Limited Selection Sauvignon Gris, Santa Ynez Valley, California

• Profile: Pale straw, passionfruit, green apples.
• Taste: Sharp acidity, nutty finish.
• Score: 8.5-9.
• Price: $40.

2024 Gainey Vineyard Limited Selection Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, California

• Profile: Light gold, lemon curd, pastry cream.
• Taste: Good energy with prominent oak influence.
• Score: 8.5.
• Price: $48. Buy here

2023 Popelouchum Blanc White Blend, Central Coast, California

• Profile: Light bronze, lemon peel, pink grapefruit.
• Taste: Bright acidity, faint gunflint charm.
• Score: 9.
• Price: $45.

2023 Popelouchum Exuberance Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California

• Profile: Light ruby, wet earth, cranberries.
• Taste: Savory herbal notes with decent acidity.
• Score: 8.5.
• Price: $65.

2023 7 Lady Vineyards Meritage, Virginia

• Profile: Dark garnet, black cherry, licorice.
• Taste: Earthy depths with minty finish.
• Score: 8.5.
• Price: $65.

2023 Michael Shaps Cabernet Franc, Virginia

• Profile: Dark garnet, plum, herb notes.
• Taste: Well-balanced but slightly oaked.
• Score: 8.5.
• Price: $34. Buy here

2023 Valley Road Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Franc, Virginia

• Profile: Dark garnet, berries, cherries.
• Taste: Clean and bright with lovely balance.
• Score: 9.
• Price: $42.

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!