Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of September 20, 2026

Hello and welcome to my weekly exploration of wine samples that have been sent my way. In this edition of Vinography Unboxed, I’m excited to share some highlights from the latest arrivals.

Wine Highlights

This week, I received a selection from Whitehall Lane in Napa Valley. Their Sauvignon Blanc is a quintessential example of the varietal, showcasing vibrant tropical flavors that make it very easy to enjoy. I was pleasantly surprised by their Pinot Noir, which while decent, seems to serve as a nice alternative in the diverse Napa landscape. The Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2022 vintage exudes ripe fruit characteristics, likely due to the warm climate conditions of that year, which may impact its aging potential compared to the 2021 or 2023 vintages.

Exploring Fortified Wines

Moving to Portuguese fortified wines, many are familiar with Port, but there are other fortified styles worth mentioning. Once renowned in the 19th century, the Carcavelos wines are now scarce due to urban expansion in their native region. However, Villa Oeiras continues to produce traditional fortified sweet white wines that display a balance of acidity and caramelized flavors, albeit from a mere 22 hectares of vineyards still in production.

Another noteworthy fortified wine is the Moscatel de Setubal, primarily thanks to the efforts of José Maria da Fonseca, who has been a trailblazer for the region since the early 1800s. This wine, made from Muscat grapes, exemplifies the historical significance and enduring appeal of this style, particularly his 20-year-old offering, which showcases both elegance and refreshing sweetness.

A Diverse Rosé

One of my favorite styles of wine is rosé, known for its variety. The Rosa di Lupo rosé from COS Winery in Sicily is particularly enchanting, offering a delicate yet complex profile with a distinct character from the Nero d’Avola grape.

Napa’s Cabernet

To round off my tastings, I received three Cabernet Sauvignons from Nickel & Nickel in Napa, all from the impressive 2023 vintage. Each bottle embodies the quality typical of Napa’s productions, showcasing the impressive winemaking skills and the region’s potential.

Tasting Notes

Here are my tasting notes for this week’s featured wines:

• 2025 Whitehall Lane Sauvignon Blanc, Napa, CA

  • Score: 8.5 – 9
  • Price: $30
  • Bright passionfruit and golden apple flavors with good acidity.

• MV Villa Oeiras “15 Year Old” Vinho Generoso, Carcavelos, Portugal

  • Score: 9 – 9.5
  • Price: $52
  • Sweet and complex with caramel and citrus notes; great acidity.

• MV José Maria da Fonseca “Alambre 20 Year-Old” Moscatel de Setubal, Portugal

  • Score: 9.5
  • Price: $80
  • Rich flavors of caramel and orange complemented by fresh acidity.

• 2025 COS “Rosa di Lupo” Rosato of Nero d’Avola, Sicily, Italy

  • Score: 9 – 9.5
  • Price: $28
  • Juicy and bright with beautiful acidity and complexity.

• 2022 Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, CA

  • Score: ~8.5
  • Price: $56
  • Rounded tannins in a fruity profile.

• 2023 Nickel & Nickel Cabernets (Jane C. Sullenger, DeCarle Block, Fog Break):

  • Scores: 9 – 9.5
  • Prices: $107, $117, $115 respectively
  • Each showcases deep fruit flavors with an elegant structure.

These selections capture not only the essence of their respective regions but also the incredible diversity of wines available today.

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!