Vinography Unboxed: Weekly Wine Highlights for the Week of August 3, 2025

Welcome to this week’s Vinography Unboxed, where I explore a selection of wine samples that recently arrived. This week, I’m excited to share some notable releases.

First up are the latest offerings from Paula Kornell, who is continuing her family’s sparkling wine legacy in California. For the 2020 vintage, I found myself leaning toward her Blanc de Noirs over the Blanc de Blancs.

I also had the opportunity to taste new releases from the dynamic duo, Duncan Arnot Meyers and Nathan Lee Roberts of Arnot-Roberts. Featured this week are their exceptional Sauvignon Blanc from the Santa Cruz Mountains, a Chardonnay from the historic Sanford & Benedict vineyard in Santa Barbara, and their delightful Rosé of Touriga Nacional, which also includes some Trincadeira this year—making it possibly the only wine in California to list Trincadeira on the label. As always, these selections are outstanding.

Another highlight comes from winemaker Luca Leggero, who has been crafting wines in Piedmont for nearly two decades. Leggero’s approach incorporates organic and biodynamic methods, resulting in lower-intervention wines aged in amphorae and old oak. I recommend his “Retrò” Dolcetto for its lively, juicy character, as well as the more structured “La Vila” Nebbiolo Canavese, which utilizes the Picotener biotype of Nebbiolo—an intriguing variety that may age beautifully.

From northern Italy, two wines from Kellerei Kaltern deserve a mention: their Pinot Nero and the elegantly crafted Quintessence of Schiava. Both are testaments to their alpine roots, with the Schiava particularly shining through. The Pinot Nero is a commendable value for under $25.

Rounding out this week’s recommendations are two recent releases from Lang & Reed in Napa. Their California-designated Cabernet Franc is approachable and enjoyable, while the North Coast Cabernet Franc impresses with added sophistication.

Here’s a closer look at the wines I tasted this week:

Tasting Notes

2020 Paula Kornell “Blanc de Blancs” Chardonnay, Napa Valley, California
Light gold with medium bubbles. Aromas of lemon zest and apples lead to a soft mousse with flavors of apple, lemon peel, and a light bitterness, complemented by honey notes. Good acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $75. click to buy.

2020 Paula Kornell “Blanc de Noirs” Champagne Blend, Napa Valley, California
Medium gold with fine bubbles. Scents of orange peel and berries, leading to a rich mouthfeel with flavors of apple and herbs, and a lingering salinity. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $55. click to buy.

2024 Arnot-Roberts “Ascona Vineyard” Sauvignon Blanc, Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Pale gold. Aromas of flowers and passionfruit, bright with flavors of kiwi and minerality. Score: 9.5. Cost: $45. click to buy.

2023 Arnot-Roberts “Sanford & Benedict Vineyard” Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills, California
Light greenish gold. Notes of lemon curd and grapefruit, with a strong saline minerality. Score: 9.5. Cost: $60. click to buy.

2024 Arnot-Roberts Rosé, California
Light coppery pink. Aromas of peach and watermelon, with flavors of plum and wet chalk. Score: 9 – 9.5. Cost: $25. click to buy.

2023 Luca Leggero “Retrò” Dolcetto, Langhe, Italy
Medium garnet. Aromas of blueberries with bright flavors and excellent acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: TBD.

2022 Luca Leggero “La Vila” Nebbiolo, Canavese, Italy
Light blood red. Notes of strawberries and herbs, highlighted by excellent acidity. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: TBD.

2023 Kaltern “Quintessenz” Kalterersee Classico Superiore, Italy
Light ruby. Bright berry and herbal aromas, juicy on the palate. Score: 9. Cost: $35. click to buy.

2024 Kaltern Pinot Nero, Italy
Light garnet with candied cherry notes. Bright raspberry flavors with good acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $24. click to buy.

2023 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc, California
Medium to dark garnet. Aromas of roasted nuts and plums, with fine tannins. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $40. click to buy.

2023 Lang & Reed Cabernet Franc, North Coast, California
Dark garnet. Scents of black plum and cherries. Score: 9. Cost: $60. click to buy.

That wraps up this week’s reviews!

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!