Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of May 17, 2026

Welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I explore a selection of recent wine samples that have landed on my doorstep. This week, I’m excited to share some standout bottles that showcase the diverse wine offerings from the West Coast, particularly focusing on sparkling wines.

I recently discovered Concinnitas Farm, a new project located in the Yamhill-Carlton District of Oregon. This collaboration combines the efforts of local estate owners Nate and Zulima Jones with winemakers Bree Stock MW and Chad Stock. Their first release includes two remarkable sparkling wines: a Blanc de Blancs made from Chardonnay and Aligoté, and a Blanc de Noirs featuring Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir. Both are excellent, but the Blanc de Noirs stands out with its alluring profile.

Continuing with Oregon, I recommend the Gran Moraine Brut Rosé, an esteemed project from Jackson Family Wines that leverages an impressive perpetual reserve to create depth and richness in their wines. This sparkling rosé balances vibrant fruit flavors with savory notes, making it a delightful choice.

Another highlight is Domaine Carneros’ Le Rêve, a long-aged blanc de blancs sparkling wine that embodies elegance and richness, fermented without wood and allowed to develop complexity from extended contact with yeast.

In the realm of still wines, I’ve enjoyed a refreshing Chenin Blanc from Aperture Cellars, crafted to showcase bright fruit with a mineral edge. Beckham Estate’s Pinot Noir is noteworthy for its unique terracotta aging vessels that impart savory nuances, pleasing those who appreciate Oregon Pinot Noir with a twist.

Oregon’s wine influence extends beyond its famous varietals, as demonstrated by Björnson Vineyard’s offerings, including Mondeuse Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Pinot Meunier—each exhibiting exciting character and quality.

Rhys Vineyards has refreshed its Centennial Mountain project, releasing new blends that highlight a signature mix of Italian grape varieties, while Sown Estate in Napa has launched its inaugural vintage, providing a well-made Cabernet Sauvignon that reflects restrained ripeness and elevated acidity, proudly bottled from sustainably farmed grapes.

Tasting notes for selected wines reveal a variety of flavor profiles and impressive craftsmanship, with some bottles, such as Concinnitas Farm’s sparkling varieties and Beckham Estate’s Pinot Noir, earning high scores for their distinctiveness and appeal.

Tasting Notes

• 2021 Concinnitas Farm “Blanc de Blancs”
  A blend of Chardonnay and Aligoté with flavors of lemon curd and baked apple. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $85. buy here

• 2021 Concinnitas Farm “Blanc de Noirs”
  Combining Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir, this wine features berry and saline flavors. Score: 9-9.5. Cost: $85.

• 2018 Domaine Carneros “Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs”
  Aged 6 years on lees with notes of apples and toast. Score: around 9. Cost: $125. buy here

• NV Gran Moraine “Brut Rosé”
  A vibrant blend with flavors of sour cherries and citrus peel. Score: around 9. Cost: $65. buy here

• 2024 Aperture “Soil Specific” Chenin Blanc
  Featuring bright fruit flavors with good acidity. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $38. buy here

• 2023 Beckham Estate “Creta” Pinot Noir
  Noted for its unique terracotta aging and flavors of raspberries. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $60. buy here

• 2024 Björnson Vineyard “Pamar Vineyard” Mondeuse Noire
  Offering intriguing flavors and a long finish. Score: 8.5-9. Cost: $45. buy here

• 2023 Sown Estate “Gala Mountain Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon
  Bright and juicy with good herbal undertones. Score: around 9. Cost: $165. buy here

This week’s offerings demonstrate the dynamic evolution of West Coast wines, inviting enthusiasts to explore a broad spectrum of flavors and styles.

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!