Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of February 1, 2026

Hello and welcome to my weekly exploration of wine samples that have landed on my doorstep. In this edition of Vinography Unboxed, I’m excited to share some exceptional bottles that have recently caught my attention.

I feel incredibly fortunate to dedicate time to tasting a variety of wines, and the quality of samples has been impressive lately. This week, I’m focusing on three new releases from Kutch Wines. Originally known for his Pinot Noir, Jamie has also mastered Chardonnay, crafting remarkable bottles. His Sonoma Coast Chardonnay is highly recommended, with an extraordinary single-vineyard bottling from the Salt Point Block at Bohan Vineyard standing out this year.

Stewart Johnson of Kendric Vineyards is making waves with his recent debut of traditional-method sparkling wines. While I appreciate both his new sparkling offerings, the rosé is particularly exceptional, showcasing a delightful blend of berry and spice notes. His latest Pinot Noir release is the best version of this wine I’ve tasted.

I also sampled a selection from Scenic Valley Farms in Oregon, a family-owned estate that has been around since the 1970s. Their new single-vineyard Pinot Noirs are impressive, notably the Wild Hare bottling, characterized by its beautiful texture and vibrant energy.

Additionally, I tasted two vineyard-designated releases from Cathy Corison at Corison Winery. Both the Sunbasket Vineyard and Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons are exquisite representations of Corison’s prowess in Napa Valley. Remarkably, despite a hot vintage that typically leads to bold wines, Corison’s selections demonstrate an ideal balance of elegance and power, with low alcohol levels.

Tasting Notes

2023 Kutch Winery Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

• Pale gold; aromas of white flowers and lemon curd.
• Flavor: Lemon pith, slight chalkiness; decent acidity.
• Alcohol: 13%. Score: 9. Cost: $42.

2023 Kutch Winery “Bohan Salt Point Block” Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

• Hint of green; aromas of salty lemon pith and pine.
• Flavor: Saline lemon pith and minerality; vibrant acidity.
• Alcohol: 13%. Score: 9.5–10. Cost: $59.

2023 Kutch Winery “Trout Gulch Vineyard” Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains

• Pale gold; aromas of green apple and white flowers.
• Flavor: Saline notes with lime zest; mineral finish.
• Alcohol: 13%. Score: 9.5. Cost: $59.

2021 Kendric Vineyards “Blanc de Blanc” Sparkling Chardonnay

• Light gold; aromas of lemon pith; nice silky mousse.
• Flavor: Tart lemonade and pastry cream finish.
• Alcohol: 11.9%. Score: 8.5. Cost: $30.

2011 Kendric Vineyards Sparkling Rosé of Pinot Noir

• Copper-pink; aromas of hibiscus and orange oil.
• Flavor: Raspberry and orange peel; mouthwatering acidity.
• Alcohol: 12.3%. Score: 8.5–9. Cost: $30.

2024 Kendric Vineyards “Loup Solitaire” Pinot Noir

• Medium garnet; aromas of flowers and raspberry.
• Flavor: Juicy raspberry and cherry; long finish.
• Alcohol: 13.2%. Score: 9. Cost: $28.

2023 Scenic Valley Farms “Wild Hare – Hare Vineyard” Pinot Noir

• Medium garnet; aromas of cherries and raspberries.
• Flavor: Bright cherry and herbal notes; juicy with excellent acidity.
• Alcohol: 13.4%. Score: 9–9.5. Cost: $40.

2023 Scenic Valley Farms “Illahe Vineyard” Pinot Noir

• Medium garnet; earthy notes with cherry and raspberry.
• Flavor: Complex with faint tannins; very balanced.
• Alcohol: 12.8%. Score: 9. Cost: $40.

2022 Corison “Sunbasket Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon

• Dark garnet; aromas of blackcurrants and violets.
• Flavor: Light blackcurrant with powdery tannins; fantastic acidity.
• Alcohol: 12.8%. Score: 9–9.5. Cost: ~$125.

2022 Corison “Kronos Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon

• Dark garnet; aromas of black plum and pepper.
• Flavor: Richly aromatic with licorice root; will age well.
• Alcohol: 14%. Score: 9.5. Cost: ~$250.

These selections showcase a variety of styles and regions, revealing the depth and excitement present in today’s wine landscape.

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!