Wine Highlights: Vinography Unboxed for the Week of April 12, 2026

Hello and welcome to my weekly exploration of the latest wine samples arriving at my door. In this edition of Vinography Unboxed, I’m highlighting some exceptional bottles that I recently tasted.

First up are the wines from Spanish winemaker Pepe Ravenotos, who has revitalized the old farm, Can Sumoi, in the Penedes region. I’m recommending his lean Xarel-lo and an intriguing blend of Grenache and the rare indigenous variety Sumoll, which isn’t formally recognized in the Penedes region, hence its simple Spanish appellation.

From Napa, winemaker Rosemary Cakebread of Gallica sent over her Albariño from Lodi and a newly released Chenin Blanc from Napa. Both display excellent energy and balance, though the Albariño stands out for its vibrant zest.

This year marks the 591st anniversary of Riesling, and I received a delightful Gimmeldinger Kapellenberg Trocken Riesling from Wiengut A. Christmann, a staple since 1798. This austere example is sure to attract fans of the varietal.

From winemaker Bibiana González Rave, I sampled two wines from her project, Cattleya Wines. Hailing from Colombia and trained in France, she offers a rich Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, both ideal for those who enjoy fruit-forward wines.

The team at Two Shepherds also shared some exciting new releases, including their typically clean and low-intervention Picpoul, skin-fermented Pinot Gris, and their first-ever bottling of Gamay Noir. Each is highly recommended, especially the Pinot Gris, a delight for orange wine enthusiasts.

Lastly, I received the latest vintage from Silver Oak Cellars, their 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa, which is a refined representation of one of my favorite vintages in memory.

Tasting Notes

2025 Can Sumoi Xarel-lo, Penedes, Spain
A pale gold color with aromas of orange oil, citrus pith, and wet chalkboard. The palate offers orange peel and pomelo pith with excellent acidity. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $23. click to buy.

2025 Gallica “Terra Alta Vineyard” Albariño, Lodi, California
Pale gold with scents of green apple and lime zest. The taste showcases steely lime flavors intertwined with minerality. Score: 9. Cost: $35. click to buy.

2025 Gallica “Ryan’s Vineyard” Chenin Blanc, Napa Valley, California
A pale gold hue featuring notes of pears and grapefruit. The taste is silky with hints of citrus pith. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $58. click to buy.

2023 A. Christmann “Gimmeldinger Kapellenberg Trocken” Riesling, Pfalz, Germany
Pale yellow-gold with flint and citrus aromas. It offers bright flavors of orange and crab apple with excellent acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2024 Cattleya Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast, California
With lemon peel and butter aromas, it presents a silky mouthfeel with bright acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: $65.

2024 Two Shepherds “Windmill Vineyard – Pig Pool” Picpoul Blanc, Dunnigan Hills, California
Pale straw with Asian pear and citrus zest scents. Flavors of grapefruit and pear skin dominate with excellent acidity. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $28. click to buy.

2025 Two Shepherds “Clarbec Vineyard – Skin Fermented Ramato” Pinot Gris, Sonoma Valley, California
Pale ruby with peach and strawberry aromas. It features bright berry flavors and a hint of floral notes. Score: 9. Cost: $30. click to buy.

2024 Two Shepherds Gamay Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
Light blood red with dried flowers and strawberry scents. The palate shows berry flavors and hints of herbs. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $44.

2024 Cattleya Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
Medium garnet with cherry aromas. Bright candied fruit flavors with supple tannins. Score: 8.5. Cost: $65.

2024 Can Sumoi “Garnatxa Sumoll” Red Blend, Spain
Medium garnet with aromas of mulberries and balsamic strawberries. It maintains bright acidity and textured tannins. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $26. click to buy.

2021 Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California
Dark garnet with notes of black cherry and mocha. It offers a complex palate with fine tannins and good acidity. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $158. click to buy.

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!