Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of August 2, 2026

Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of notable wines that have made their way to my doorstep. This edition of Vinography Unboxed features some intriguing new offerings.

First up, we have new releases from Spur Road Wines, a project by Sam and Amanda Buckingham. As assistant winemakers, they have taken on the revitalization of the Nozzari vineyard on the Sonoma Coast, which was once overgrown and neglected. Now, they are producing remarkable wines. Their white Pinot Noir stands out, showcasing bright berry and citrus flavors, while the accompanying red Pinot Noir is also enjoyable, if slightly less captivating. Their GFG single-vineyard and Sonoma Coast blend variations are worth noting as well.

I also sampled several recent offerings from Waits-Mast Cellars, a label I’ve followed since its inception. Founders Jennifer Waits and Brian Mast began their journey in my neighborhood in San Francisco, and their growth over the years has been impressive. Currently, under the guidance of winemaker Shalini Sekhar, they source grapes from esteemed vineyards in Anderson Valley. This week, I particularly enjoyed their Nash Mill and Oppenlander vineyard wines, all delivering delicious profiles.

Lastly, I had the pleasure of tasting the latest Cabernet Sauvignon from Mayacamas Vineyards. Their 2022 release embodies the vineyard’s renowned restraint, avoiding any excessive ripeness or oakiness typical of hotter vintages. It is smooth, energetic, and well-balanced, making it a timeless choice for fans of classic Cabernet.

Tasting Notes

2025 Spur Road “Nozzari Vineyard” White Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
A pale straw color with aromas of cherries and citrus. The palate features bright berry flavors with a refreshing acidity. Score: 9. Cost: $35. click to buy.

2024 Spur Road “Nozzari Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California
Medium garnet color with scents of cranberries and forest floor. The taste is layered with powdery tannins and a finish featuring a hint of bitter orange peel. Score: 8.5 – 9. Cost: $58. click to buy.

2023 Waits-Mast Cellars “Mariah Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Mendocino Ridge, California
Light ruby hue with aromas of apple skin and raspberries. The refreshing palate harmonizes raspberry and orange peel notes. Score: 9. Cost: $50. click to buy.

2022 Mayacamas Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Mount Veeder, Napa, California
Dark garnet, earthy with hints of black cherry. The taste features fine tannins and lingering herbal notes, perfect for aging. Score: 9 – 9.5. Cost: $185. click to buy.

This week’s selections offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving wine landscape, with each bottle telling its own unique story.

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!