Pinotage Pinotage: A Legacy Reborn in the World of Wine Chris Lehoux, May 22, 2026 I have seen the future of South African Pinotage, and it’s a transformation that feels long overdue. Introduced in 1924 by Professor Abraham Izak Perold at Stellenbosch University, Pinotage is a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsaut (formerly known as Hermitage in South Africa). Despite being labeled as South Africa’s… Continue Reading
Cabernet Sauvignon Exploring the 2024 Vintage in Napa: Insights from Premiere Napa Valley Chris Lehoux, March 20, 2026 Longtime readers may recall my passion for sampling barrel wines to gauge the potential of recent vintages in Napa Valley. Typically, I participate in the annual Premiere Napa Valley auction organized by the Napa Valley Vintners Association, a highlight for wine enthusiasts. In recent years, event scheduling clashed with family… Continue Reading
Calera Wines Celebrating 50 Years of Limestone Dreams: Reflecting on Calera Pinot Noir’s Journey Chris Lehoux, March 8, 2026 You may have heard of the late winemaker Josh Jensen, famed for his striking presence and unique sense of humor. With a background steeped in wine education and experience, he left a lasting legacy in the world of California Pinot Noir that paved the way for many current and future… Continue Reading
Bilancia Exploring New Zealand’s Hidden Gem: The Other Red Wine Beyond Pinot Noir Chris Lehoux, October 29, 2025 Many people don’t realize that New Zealand produces red wines, particularly varieties beyond its famed Pinot Noir. Among these, Syrah is gaining recognition for its quality and distinctiveness across both the North and South Islands. Historically, Syrah was one of the first grape varieties introduced to New Zealand, brought by… Continue Reading
Cabernet Franc Exploring Perfection: A Review of the 2021 FUTO Estate CFX Red Blend Chris Lehoux, August 30, 2025 Once, my wine reviews at Vinography focused primarily on individual bottles. However, as my workload increased with more bottles arriving for evaluation, and with larger tastings and visits to wineries, my articles shifted away from singular reviews. It has been more than a decade since I last focused exclusively on… Continue Reading
Chillable Reds Exploring the Best Chillable Reds from the West Coast: A Guide to Effortless Sipping Chris Lehoux, July 15, 2025 Chillable red wines are making waves, reminding wine lovers that enjoyment is at the heart of the experience. Historically, certain red wines like Etna Rosso, cru Beaujolais, País, and Freisa benefitted from a chill, but a new wave of chillable reds has emerged from the natural wine movement, changing the… Continue Reading
Cabernet Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence: The Majesty of Corison’s Kronos Cabernet Chris Lehoux, December 4, 2024 Cathy Corison, a revered winemaker in Napa Valley, celebrates the 25th anniversary of her Kronos Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon. Renowned for her remarkable talent and dedication to quality, Cathy invited a select group of wine enthusiasts to explore the evolution of her signature wine over its first quarter-century. In the early… Continue Reading