Vinography Unboxed: Wine Highlights from the Week of July 19, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of wine samples that have recently graced my doorstep. I’m excited to share some notable bottles that deserve your attention.

This past week, I sampled two intriguing releases from Raventos i Blanc, a highly regarded Spanish sparkling wine producer known for its exceptional offerings from the Penedes region. Their focus on single-site production and indigenous grape varieties has led them to step away from traditional DO designations; however, their wines are far from ordinary. In particular, their latest vintage of the De la Finca blend truly impressed me.

I’ve also been tasting a selection of wines from Virginia, starting with a Vermentino from Barboursville Vineyards. Surprisingly, this grape is not commonly associated with Virginia, but this bottle showcased excellent craftsmanship. Additionally, the Petit Manseng from The Winery at La Grange demonstrated why it’s one of the standout white grapes in the region—its balance and aromatic profile make it a delightful experience.

Virginia’s reputation for Bordeaux blends is well earned, as highlighted by my recommendations this week. The CrossKeys Vineyards Cabernet Franc exhibits refreshing qualities with a classic profile, while the Pollack Vineyards Reserve Merlot combines rich dark fruit notes with savory accents. The Glen Manor "Vin Rouge" is another noteworthy blend, featuring a harmonious mix of herbal and fruity flavors alongside toasted oak.

I’m also thrilled to highlight some recent and upcoming releases from Inglenook, the renowned estate owned by Francis Ford Coppola in Napa. Following a review of their white wines last week, this week I’m featuring their estate Cabernet Sauvignon and the flagship Rubicon. The 2023 vintages of both are exceptional, showcasing the purity of the cool vintage, while the 2024s, reflecting a slightly warmer year, are also commendable.

Tasting Notes

• 2023 Raventos i Blanc “De La Finca” White Blend, Spain

  • Bright and elegant with floral lemon and pastry cream flavors. Very pretty, showing excellent acidity.
  • Score: 9 to 9.5. Cost: $39. Link

• 2023 Pollak Vineyards “Reserve” Merlot, Virginia

  • Dark garnet, with black cherry and toasted oak notes, offering a fresh and juicy palate.
  • Score: 8.5 to 9. Cost: $60. Link

• 2024 Inglenook “Rubicon” Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

  • This vintage presents mouthwatering acidity and juicy plum and blackberry notes with stony tannins.
  • Score: 9 to 9.5. Cost: $265. Link

These selections represent some of the dynamic offerings in the current wine landscape, highlighting a mix of European tradition and New World innovation. Enjoy your tasting journey!

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!