Wine Reviews Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of November 9, 2025 Chris Lehoux, November 16, 2025 This week, I explored a selection of enticing wine samples that have recently arrived for tasting. Among them were two noteworthy Rieslings from the West Coast. The first, from Erni Loosen’s Oregon-based Appassionata Vineyards, is a 2018 vintage displaying a lovely balance of faint sweetness alongside stony citrus notes. Loosen’s… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of November 2, 2025 Chris Lehoux, November 10, 2025 Hello and welcome to this week’s edition of Vinography Unboxed, where I explore an assortment of wine samples that have arrived for tasting. This week features a standout release from Spain’s esteemed sparkling wine producer, Raventós i Blanc. Their Manuel Raventós Negra bottling is a blend of Xarel-lo and Macabeo,… 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
Wine Reviews Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of October 19, 2025 Chris Lehoux, October 26, 2025 This week’s Vinography Unboxed brings us a selection of wines that are making a distinct mark. Starting with a standout sparkling wine from Raventos i Blanc, the Can Sumoi “Muntanya.” This wine, a blend of Macabeo and Xarel-lo from a centuries-old mountaintop farm in Penedes, offers a fresh and bright… Continue Reading
Baja California Exploring the Richness of Mexican Wine: A Closer Look at Its Diversity and Uniqueness Chris Lehoux, October 24, 2025 As a dedicated wine enthusiast, my journey led me to explore various wines around the globe. Recently, I had the opportunity to delve into Mexican wines, sparking a newfound interest in this region’s offerings. While I’d only tasted a limited selection from Mexico before, an upcoming tasting event dedicated solely… Continue Reading
Press Samples Vinography Unboxed: Highlights from the Week of October 12, 2025 Chris Lehoux, October 18, 2025 Hello and welcome to this week’s roundup of noteworthy wine samples. In this installment of Vinography Unboxed, we delve into the latest offerings that have recently been sent for tasting. Far Niente has revamped its branding and now markets itself as The House of Far Niente, aligning its various brands… Continue Reading
Central Otago Exploring the Mystery: Why Quartz Reef Remains Unpurchased Chris Lehoux, October 5, 2025 While my primary focus is on the sensory aspects of wine, I also find the business side intriguing, especially as wineries frequently change hands, particularly in difficult times for the industry. It’s commonly expected that wineries, especially well-known ones, don’t remain on the market for long. However, Quartz Reef Winery… Continue Reading
Historic Vineyard Society Exploring the Flavors of Old California: Insights from the Historical Vineyard Society Tasting Chris Lehoux, September 29, 2025 The Historical Vineyard Society held a tasting event that emphasized the significance of old vines in winemaking. This organization, founded in 2011, has made it its mission to celebrate and preserve California’s viticultural heritage by cataloging and certifying vineyards that are over 50 years old, showcasing the unique characteristics of… Continue Reading
Aperture Cellars Vinography Unboxed: Highlights and Insights from the Week of September 21, 2025 Chris Lehoux, September 28, 2025 Hello and welcome to this week’s exploration of wine samples that have arrived for tasting. This edition of Vinography Unboxed features standout bottles that I’ve encountered recently. Among the highlights are the latest Chenin Blanc offerings from Dry Creek Vineyard. Celebrating over 50 years in the business, they introduced a… Continue Reading
California Exploring the Flavorful Depths: Tasting Notes on Hella Chenin Wine Chris Lehoux, September 14, 2025 You’d be hard pressed to find someone more excited than I about the rise of Chenin Blanc as a well-known alternative white wine. It seems Chenin has finally begun to garner attention in the wine press, with more stories emerging than ever before. While California has less than 4,000 acres… Continue Reading