Aligoté Discovering the Elegance of West Coast Aligoté: A Rising Star in Winemaking Chris Lehoux, August 14, 2026 Aligoté, the often-overlooked white grape of Burgundy, is experiencing a renaissance in the wine world. Historically recognized more for its use in kirs—a cocktail made from dry white wine and crème de cassis—its reputation as a fine wine has diminished for decades. However, this has changed as American wine enthusiasts… Continue Reading
Boutique Wines Unveiling the Magic of South Africa’s Wine Regions: Why It’s the Most Exciting Wine Destination on Earth, Part I Chris Lehoux, August 11, 2026 The vibrant wine scene of South Africa is gaining momentum, not only for its geological diversity and old vineyards but especially for its collaborative spirit among winemakers. This culture of cooperation fosters creativity and quality, making South Africa a leading contender in the global wine arena. A prominent example of… Continue Reading
Pinot Noir Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Discoveries from the Week of August 2, 2026 Chris Lehoux, August 9, 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… Continue Reading
Carbon Friendly Sip Sustainably: Exploring International Wineries for Climate Action and Carbon Neutrality Chris Lehoux, August 3, 2026 The wine industry is home to various organizations with diverse missions, but few are as dedicated to environmental sustainability as the International Wineries for Climate Action (IWCA). Earlier this year, they hosted the largest tasting of low-emission wines in Napa, drawing attention to their significant efforts towards carbon neutrality in… Continue Reading
Wine Reviews Vinography Unboxed: Wine Highlights from the Week of July 19, 2026 Chris Lehoux, July 26, 2026 Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of wine samples that have recently graced my doorstep. I’m excited to share some notable bottles that deserve your attention. This past week, I sampled two intriguing releases from Raventos i Blanc, a highly regarded Spanish sparkling wine producer known for its exceptional… Continue Reading
Inglenook Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of July 12, 2026 Chris Lehoux, July 18, 2026 Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I sift through a selection of intriguing wine samples that have recently arrived at my doorstep. This past week featured notable white wines from Napa Valley, particularly from Inglenook, a historic estate that has been painstakingly restored by the… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of July 5, 2026 Chris Lehoux, July 12, 2026 Hello and welcome to another edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I sift through an assortment of wine samples that have recently arrived at my doorstep. This week, I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on some noteworthy bottles worth considering. Kicking off with a delightful Sauvignon Blanc from Refugio Ranch in… Continue Reading
Jancis Robinson Exploring Moon Mountain: Sonoma’s Volcanic Organic Wine Paradise Chris Lehoux, July 8, 2026 Vineyard history in the Moon Mountain District traces back to the 1880s when pioneering vintners discovered the region’s rich volcanic soils on the hillsides west of Sonoma. Over a century later, this area became notable for its organic viticulture, leading to its official designation as a unique American Viticultural Area… Continue Reading
Cobb Wines Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of June 28, 2026 Chris Lehoux, July 5, 2026 Hello and welcome to my weekly exploration of wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. This edition of Vinography Unboxed showcases several noteworthy bottles. We begin with a Chardonnay from Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez Valley, California. This modern interpretation features great acidity and low alcohol, without overwhelming butter… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of June 21, 2026 Chris Lehoux, June 28, 2026 Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Vinography Unboxed! This week features several notable wine samples, including new releases from a Napa Valley project and some reflections on vineyard closures. First up is Dôi Dá, an estate founded by Cuong Pham and his family, who are well-known for their… Continue Reading