Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of May 26, 2026

Welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I delve into a selection of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. Here are some standout bottles that I had the pleasure of trying.

This week, I sampled the delightful and approachable pink sparkling wine from Domaine Carneros, owned by Taittinger Champagne. The Cuvée Pompadour Brut Rosé makes for an excellent choice, showcasing complexity due to its 18 months spent on the lees in the bottle.

From Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I have two Chardonnay recommendations from Abbot Claim. The Chardonnay made from multiple vineyard sources slightly edged out the single-vineyard bottling from Temperance Hill Vineyard. Both reflect the modern lean style that puts Willamette Valley Chardonnay in the spotlight.

Another commendable Chardonnay is from Big Table Farm. Known for their low-intervention winemaking, Clare Carver and Brian Marcy’s “The Wild Bee” is a delightful wine made from grapes sourced across the Willamette Valley, providing great value.

In some exciting news, Acorn Winery has recently been acquired by Melissa Moholt-Siebert of Ancient Oak Cellars. She is maintaining the brand and sourcing fruit from the estate vineyards previously held by the original owners. I tasted their Grüner Veltliner and Cabernet Franc rosé; both were solid but details on pricing and purchasing are currently unclear under the new ownership.

I also received samples from the Weathereye Vineyard located in Washington’s Yakima Valley, on the edge of the Red Mountain AVA. These 2023 releases, yet to be released to the public, impressed with their rich and concentrated profiles. The highlight was the Tempranillo, showcasing an exceptional balance and complexity.

Tasting Notes

• NV Domaine Carneros “Cuvée Pompadour” Brut Rosé
  Pale peachy pink, medium-fine bubbles. Aromas of citrus peel, unripe strawberries, and peaches. The palate features orange peel, dried herbs, and apricot, with excellent acidity. Score: 8.5 to 9. Cost: $44.
  Click to buy.

• 2023 Abbot Claim Chardonnay
  Light gold in color, featuring struck match and flint aromas. Offers saline flavors of lemon curd and grilled sourdough. Score: 9. Cost: $85.
  Click to buy.

• 2023 Abbot Claim “Temperance Hill Vineyard” Chardonnay
  Light gold, notes of lemon oil and toasted oak. Electric acidity brings a touch of austerity. Score: 8.5 to 9. Cost: $135.

• 2024 Big Table Farm “The Wild Bee” Chardonnay
  Pale gold, with citrus and herbal notes. Bright and juicy, with balanced acidity. Score: 9. Cost: $35.
  Click to buy.

• 2023 Acorn Winery “Alegría Vineyards” Grüner Veltliner
  Light yellow-gold, with baked apple and plum aromas. Decent acidity. Score: 8.5. Cost: TBD.

• 2023 Weathereye Vineyards “Estate” Tempranillo
  Medium to dark garnet, black cherries and tea on the nose. Juicy, concentrated black cherry flavors, very good acidity. Score: 9. Cost: $85.

This week’s tasting offered a varied selection, showcasing the diverse styles and quality from notable vineyards. Each wine reveals unique characteristics, reflecting the craftsmanship behind each bottle.

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!