Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of November 17, 2024

Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I sift through a selection of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. This week, I’m excited to present notable wines from the Edio Vineyards label by Delfino Farms, which has garnered attention for its high-elevation wines from El Dorado County.

One standout is their white blend, a harmonious mix of Viognier, Roussanne, and Picpoul. It offers lovely notes of pear and citrus, complemented by a refreshing acidity. The Grenache from Edio Vineyards also merits mention, showcasing a savory and crunchy profile that reveals the grape’s appealing new characteristics.

Continuing with the theme of new releases, I have the pleasure of highlighting the 2024 Nouveau-style wine from California. Produced by Ron Rubin’s River Road Vineyards, this playful interpretation of Pinot Meunier is approachable and fun, embodying bright fruity notes for just $17.

Shifting focus to the Santa Cruz Mountains, many of the featured wines come from Beauregard Vineyards. Winemaker Ryan Beauregard has a rich family history in this region, crafting memorable Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Among the wines sampled, my favorites include a carbonically macerated Pinot Noir and a distinctively fermented Pinot Noir in a concrete egg, both reflecting Ryan’s dedication to quality.

Additionally, I’ve sampled a single-vineyard Pinot Noir from The DONUM Estate, particularly recommended for fans of a richer style. The Year of the Tiger Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley is luscious, exhibiting a delightful balance of ripe fruit flavors.

Tasting Notes

• 2023 Edio Vineyards “Robyn’s Blend” White Blend, El Dorado
  A pale gold hue reveals aromas of pears, lemon pith, and dried herbs, while the palate bursts with juicy pear and lemon peel. Scoring 8.5 to 9. Price: $34.

• 2022 Beauregard Vineyards “Bald Mountain Vineyard” Chardonnay, Santa Cruz Mountains
  This pale gold Chardonnay offers silky flavors of lemon oil and grapefruit, with a score around 8.5. Price: $68.

• 2024 River Road Family Vineyards and Winery “Nouveau” Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
  A light ruby color with playful cherry and strawberry notes, this wine is fun and fresh, scoring around 8.5. Price: $17.

• 2023 Edio Vineyards Grenache, El Dorado
  Light garnet with aromas of strawberries and herbs, this wine impresses with savory and floral qualities. Score: 8.5 to 9. Price: $40.

• 2022 The DONUM Estate “Single Vineyard – Year of the Tiger” Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley
  A medium garnet wine exuding rich cherry and raspberry jam flavors, scoring around 8.5. Price: $95.

• 2023 Beauregard Vineyards “Coast Grade Vineyard – Carbonica” Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
  Light garnet with flavors of candied raspberries, this lively wine scores 8.5 to 9. Price: $65.

• 2023 Beauregard Vineyards “Coast Grade Vineyard – Oeuf en Béton” Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
  This wine showcases green herbs and floral notes, with a score around 9. Price: $65.

• 2022 Beauregard Vineyards Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
  A light garnet wine merging toasted oak with raspberry notes, scoring around 8.5. Price: $50.

• 2021 Beauregard Vineyards “Reserve – Beauregard Ranch” Cabernet Sauvignon, Santa Cruz Mountains
  Dark garnet, featuring robust dark fruit flavors, scoring around 8.5. Price: $225.

These selections reflect the diverse styles and rich heritage of California’s winemakers, highlighting their commitment to quality and innovation in viticulture.

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!