Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of March 9, 2025

Hello and welcome to another edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I share highlights from a collection of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. This week features a variety of interesting wines, including selections from Margarida Serodio Borges and her winery, Quinta do Fojo in Portugal’s Douro Valley and the Vinho Verde region.

Starting with her Vinho Verde wines made under the Casa da Bouça label, the 2020 Casa da Bouça Loureiro offers a refreshing profile marked by electric acidity, with flavors of sour lemon and tangy melon. The Casa da Bouça "Blend" white, featuring a mix of local grapes, brings together savory herbs and green apple notes. There’s also a delightful Rosé of Espadiero known for hints of sour rhubarb and bright acidity.

I also want to highlight some exceptional wines crafted from Italian grape varieties in California. Notably, Gros Ventre’s Fiano stands out as an impressive rendition of the grape, complemented by their delicious Gamay and an excellent Pinot Noir. From the lesser-known producer Trinafour Cellars, I discovered two wines, a Semillon and a French Colombard, both showcasing vibrant acidity and energy, signaling that the winery is still active despite earlier expectations of closure.

On the note of affordability, Fort Ross Vineyard has launched a more budget-friendly label, Sea Slopes, which includes a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir both priced around $30, offering solid quality for the price.

As for the Douro wines from Quinta do Fojo, the 2017 Red Blend exemplifies the terroir using grapes from vines planted in 1986, showcasing a balance of juicy black cherry flavors with earthy undertones. In contrast, their “Vinha do Fojo” Red Blend, from vines dating back to the late 1800s, offers a more complex, savory profile.

Lastly, I tasted Pride Mountain Vineyard’s Cabernet Sauvignons, which display excellent structure and vibrant fruit, particularly enjoying the charm of the 2022 vintage with its sweet berry notes.

Tasting Notes

• 2020 Casa da Bouça Loureiro, Vinho Verde, Portugal – Electric acidity, flavors of lemon and unripe melon; $22.
• 2020 Casa da Bouça “Blend” White Blend, Vinho Verde, Portugal – Salty lime zest, great acidity; $23.
• 2023 Gros Ventre “Las Cimas Vineyard” Fiano, Sonoma Coast, California – Juicy lemon and herbs; $35.
• 2023 Trinafour “Lolonis Vineyard” Sémillon, Mendocino County, California – Bright lemon acidity; $23.
• 2023 Fort Ross Vineyard “Sea Slopes” Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California – Angular lemon flavors; $30.
• 2017 Quinta do Fojo Red Blend, Cima Corgo, Douro, Portugal – Juicy black cherry; $54.
• 2022 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, California – Black cherry and plum, excellent acidity; $95.

This week’s lineup showcases a rich variety across regions and grapes, reflecting both traditional and innovative winemaking styles. Enjoy exploring these selections!

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!