Vinography Unboxed: Weekly Wine Highlights from September 6, 2026

This week’s installment of Vinography Unboxed takes a closer look at a variety of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. Among the highlights are two wines from Shared Notes Wines, a unique project led by winemakers Bibiana Gonzalez Rave and Jeff Pisoni, known for their exceptional Sauvignon Blanc offerings.

While both wines receive high praise, a critical note is raised about their heavy packaging, deemed unnecessary and environmentally unfriendly. The reviewer found the standard Sauvignon Blanc to be particularly impressive—a crisp, herbaceous wine with vibrant fruit flavors—compared to their blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon from the 2025 vintage.

In addition, Chateau Montelena’s Sauvignon Blanc was tasted, which, although decent, felt understated next to the more vibrant offerings from Shared Notes.

A notable mention this week is the 2023 Cuvée Esme Ann Chenin Blanc from Las Jaras Wines, celebrated for its mouthwatering qualities and bright fruit profile. The Chenin Blanc is sourced from the Junius Vineyard and showcases a lovely balance, having undergone barrel fermentation and aging.

The tasting also included selections from Geographic Wines, a Portuguese winery creating wine from various regions. These wines are less accessible overseas, which is unfortunate as they feature a remarkable diversity of flavors and rich blends, though their website is currently down.

Old vine Zinfandels from Limerick Lane Cellars also made an appearance. The Marquis Zinfandel stood out for its juicy lift, balancing alcohol with rich flavor. Ridge Vineyards’ 2023 Lytton Springs was highlighted for its complexity and aging potential, while Linda Neal’s Tierra Roja Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa displayed impressive richness alongside an elegant structure.

A fascinating story was shared about Giacomo Borgogno, a historic Barolo producer. After a dispute with a tasting panel in 2005, Borgogno declassified part of their Barolo production, leading to the creation of their "No Name" Nebbiolo—a protest label addressing bureaucratic challenges in the wine industry.

Below are the detailed tasting notes for this week’s featured wines:

Tasting Notes

• 2025 Shared Notes “Les Leçons des Maîtres” White Blend, California
  Score: 9, Cost: $95.
  Description: Bright herbal notes with silky saline flavors, resulting in a juicy and crisp finish.

• 2025 Shared Notes “Les Pierres Qui Décident” Sauvignon Blanc, California
  Score: 9.5, Cost: $95.
  Description: Lively notes of candied green apple and gooseberry, showcasing remarkable brightness and vibrant acidity.

• 2025 Chateau Montelena Sauvignon Blanc, California
  Score: 8.5, Cost: $50.
  Description: Subdued lime and apple notes with a grassy quality and decent acidity.

• 2023 Las Jaras "Cuvée Esme Anne" Chenin Blanc, California
  Score: 9.5, Cost: $68.
  Description: Struck match and ginger aromas accompany flavors of juicy pear, delivering impressive brightness.

• 2023 Geographic Wines “Inóspito – Vinhas Velhas Chão de Areia” Vinho Branco, Portugal
  Score: 8.5, Cost: ??
  Description: Salty unripe nectarine and dried herbs with excellent acidity.

• 2023 Geographic Wines “Inóspito – Canais” Touriga Nacional, Portugal
  Score: 8.5, Cost: ??
  Description: Black tea and black cherry aromas follow through with fleecy tannins and good acidity.

• 2023 Ridge Vineyards “Lytton Springs” Red Blend, California
  Score: 9.5, Cost: $56.
  Description: Complex blackberry and spice flavors with excellent balance and acidity.

• 2023 Limerick Lane Cellars “Marquis” Zinfandel, California
  Score: 9, Cost: $69.
  Description: Juicy berry and floral notes with fine acidity.

• 2023 Giacomo Borgogno “No Name” Nebbiolo, Italy
  Score: 9.5, Cost: $51.
  Description: A blend of herbaceous and floral notes with a bright and supple mouthfeel.

• 2023 Tierra Roja Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa, California
  Score: 9.5, Cost: $215.
  Description: Rich cherry and licorice flavors enveloped in smooth tannins, with excellent freshness.

For detailed insights into these wines and more, further exploration is encouraged through the respective links.

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!