Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of April 5, 2026

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

This week, I received an assortment of delightful wines, beginning with new-release sparkling wines from Domaine Carneros. The 2022 Brut impressed me with its lovely balance and exquisite texture, earning my favor over both the Ultra Brut and the 2019 late disgorged bottling. All these offerings are well worth trying.

I also have two Chardonnays to recommend. The first is from Garden Creek Vineyards in Alexander Valley, which strikes a nice balance between richness and minerality. Similarly, the new Ridge Vineyards Estate Chardonnay showcases great energy and acidity alongside ripe fruit notes.

Next, I want to highlight two more wines before diving into the reds from Ridge. The first is the new release of Gérard Bertrand‘s Côte de Roses Rosé from Provence, notable for its new presentation as well as its taste. The second notable wine comes from Land of Saints Wine Company, a collaboration that brings forth a GSM blend of excellent value at $25.

Turning to red wines, Ridge Vineyards has released several new offerings. The Lytton Springs Petite Sirah continues to deliver its signature brawny, dark fruit profile. In contrast, the Benito Dusi Ranch Zinfandel from Paso Robles is bright and juicy, while the Three Valleys Zinfandel blend offers great pleasure at a reasonable price.

The Cabernet Sauvignon lineup is remarkable as well. The Estate Cabernet Sauvignon excels in the cooler 2023 vintage, balancing juicy flavors with age potential. The 2023 Monte Bello is a standout, showcasing a knockout quality that I believe will mature beautifully with time. If I were to cellar this wine, I’d want a case to enjoy in the future.

Tasting Notes

2022 Domaine Carneros “Brut” Sparkling Wine, Carneros, Sonoma County, California
Pale gold with medium-fine bubbles, aromas of sea air and lemon pith lead to flavors of white flowers and cranberries, creating a sophisticated balance. Score: 9 – 9.5. Price: $35. Click to buy.

2022 Domaine Carneros “Ultra Brut” Sparkling Wine, Carneros, Sonoma County, California
Light greenish gold with fresh aromas and flavors of green apple and lime. Score: 8.5 – 9. Price: $50. Click to buy.

2019 Domaine Carneros “Late Disgorged Brut” Sparkling Wine, Carneros, Sonoma County, California
Light gold, blending notes of tart apples and toasted brioche, with lingering tangy citrus. Score: around 9. Price: $62. Click to buy.

2021 Garden Creek “Estate Clonal Selection” Chardonnay, Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, California
Pale greenish gold, marked by lemon curd and vanilla notes, offering a silky experience but lacking a bit of energy. Score: around 8.5. Price: TBD.

2024 Ridge Vineyards “Estate – Monte Bello Estate Vineyard” Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Pale gold with flinty aromas, this expressive wine has a bright acidity and appealing richness. Score: around 9. Price: $71. Click to buy.

2025 Gérard Bertrand “Cote des Roses” Rosé, Languedoc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Pale pink with aromas of orange peel and rose petals, smooth on the palate but needs more acidity for excitement. Score: around 8.5. Price: $17. Click to buy.

2023 Land of Saints Red Blend, Santa Barbara County, California
Light garnet with strawberry and boysenberry notes, this blend has gentle tannins and great freshness. Score: 8.5 – 9. Price: $24.

2023 Ridge Vineyards “Lytton Springs” Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California
Intensely dark with blueberry and wet earth aromas, delivering a powerful mouthfeel and monumental tannins. Score: around 8.5. Price: $49. Click to buy.

2024 Ridge Vineyards “Paso Robles – Benito Dusi Ranch” Zinfandel, Paso Robles, Central Coast, California
Medium-dark garnet, balancing black cherry and mocha notes with excellent acidity. Score: 9 – 9.5. Price: $45. Click to buy.

2024 Ridge Vineyards “Three Valleys” Red Blend, Sonoma County, California
Dark garnet with blackberry and chocolate notes, balanced by excellent acidity and a touch of sweetness. Score: around 9. Price: $33. Click to buy.

2023 Ridge Vineyards “Estate – Monte Bello Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Dark garnet, this wine balances tart red fruit with the sweet notes of oak, promising to improve with bottle aging. Score: 9 – 9.5. Price: $65. Click to buy.

2023 Ridge Vineyards “Monte Bello” Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains, California
Very dark garnet with vibrant blackcurrant notes, offering a seamless structure and a long finish. Score: 9.5 – 10. Price: $285. Click to buy.

Explore these selections for a wonderful tasting journey!

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!