Hello and welcome to this week’s dig through the pile of wine samples that show up asking to be tasted. I’m pleased to bring you the latest installment of Vinography Unboxed, where I highlight some of the better bottles that have crossed my doorstep recently.
This week, I got a bunch of wines from sommelier-turned-winemaker Ted Glennon, who makes wines under the banner of Vinos Finos de California, within which he produces a number of sub-brands or labels focused on classic interpretations of mainstream and lesser-known grapes in California. This week I’m recommending his Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, but also his very attractive Nebbiolo, earthy Syrah, and old-school Cabernet Sauvignon from the Carmel Valley.
I got a chance to hang out with viticulture consultant and winemaker Ken Swegles recently, who offered me a bottle of Madson Wines Pinot Noir from the Branciforte Vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which Swegles farms for Madson winemaker Cole Thomas. It’s got a nice coniferous quality and a pretty balance between savory and fruit…