Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of July 13, 2025

Hello and welcome to the latest installment of Vinography Unboxed. This week, I sifted through an array of wine samples, showcasing some remarkable selections that have recently arrived.

Starting with Dan Petroski’s Massican brand, we have familiar favorites like his Sauvignon Blanc and the Annia blend. Particularly impressive this week, however, was the Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay, which ranks as one of the finest expressions from this organically farmed site in Napa, boasting an alcohol content under 14%.

Venturing into Italian territory, Kellerei Kaltern presented a delightful Pinot Bianco from Alto Adige, characterized by its sharp acidity and subtle hint of salinity that keeps you reaching for more. Their Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay also made a strong impression.

Portugal was well represented too, featuring a reserve Encruzado from Taboadella—owned by the Amorim cork family—which will please those who favor richer white wines. Alternatively, the vibrant Florão white blend from Quinta da Fonte Souto (associated with the Symington family) offered a pithy, juicy experience. Their accompanying red blend delivered a dark, earthy profile that stands out.

In a world where luxury rosé is on the rise, Abloom, a rosé-only brand from Napa, made its debut, although I found it lacking a bit of excitement.

Dry Creek Vineyard, a consistently high-quality producer in Sonoma, introduced a new Merlot-dominant blend called “Seaquelle.” This exceptional wine offers a great balance and value proposition, priced at $55, and is likely to age remarkably well.

Lastly, a fresh label from Catena Zapata in Argentina caught my eye. This new Cabernet Sauvignon, crafted from their Angelica Sur vineyard and linked to a storytelling project initiated by sisters Laura and Adrianna Catena, not only presents a beautiful label but also delivers an elegant flavor profile that will delight Cabernet enthusiasts.

Tasting Notes

2024 Massican Sauvignon Blanc, California
Pale greenish gold; aromas of gooseberries and green apples. Crisp flavors of gooseberry and passionfruit with a salty, stony finish. 13.8% alcohol. Score: 9. Cost: $28.

2024 Massican “Hyde Vineyard” Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California
Pale gold; scents of lemon and herbs. A bright palate of lemon oil and pink grapefruit with a creamy finish. 13.6% alcohol. Score: 9 – 9.5. Cost: $55.

2024 Massican “Annia” White Blend, California
Pale gold; notes of yellow herbs and citrus. Flavors of lemon peel and grapefruit with great acidity. 11.8% alcohol. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $31.

2024 Kaltern “Saleit” Chardonnay, Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy
Pale gold; aromas of lemon zest. Bright flavors with a hint of pineapple and wet pavement. 13.5% alcohol. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $20.

2024 Kaltern “Vial” Pinot Bianco, Südtirol-Alto Adige, Italy
Pale greenish gold; scents of lemon pith and white flowers. Juicy flavors with a stony profile. 14% alcohol. Score: 9. Cost: $24.

2023 Taboadella “Reserva” Encruzado, Dão, Portugal
Pale yellow-gold; aromas of peaches and herbs. Rich with notes of vanilla and a chalky finish. 13.5% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $32.

2024 Quinta da Fonte Souto “Florão” White Blend
Pale gold; scents of lemon zest. Bright flavors with excellent acidity. 13.5% alcohol. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $23.

2024 Abloom Rosé of Grenache, Napa Valley, California
Pale peachy pink; aromas of sweet berries. Softer flavors with a faint bitterness. 14.2% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: TBD.

2021 Quinta da Fonte Souto “Florão” Red Blend
Dark garnet; notes of blackcurrants. Juicy flavors with an earthy complexity. 14.5% alcohol. Score: 8.5. Cost: $23.

2021 Dry Creek Vineyard “Seaquelle” Red Blend
Dark garnet; aromas of black and red plums. Juicy fruit flavors with hints of herbs. 14.5% alcohol. Score: 9 – 9.5. Cost: $55.

2021 Angelica Zapata “Birth of Cabernet” Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza, Argentina
Dark garnet; aromas of black cherry. Juicy with excellent acidity and an elegant finish. 13.5% alcohol. Score: 9. Cost: $80.

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!