February 2026: The New Classics
February Theme: The New Classics
February is about revisiting the familiar and discovering it all over again.
This month’s box explores modern expressions of classic wine ideas. These are wines inspired by time-honored regions, traditional grape varieties, and iconic styles, but shaped by today’s sensibilities. Think brighter fruit, fresher structure, and a sense of energy that feels right at home on a modern table.
They are rooted in history but made for how we drink now.
You will notice a balance between comfort and surprise. Some bottles may echo wines you already love, while others reinterpret classic styles in ways that feel new, lively, and exciting. The throughline is drinkability, wines with clarity, character, and a point of view.
These are the kinds of bottles that shine with food, spark conversation, and remind you why certain wine traditions endured in the first place. They carry the soul of the old world, the openness of the new, and a style that bridges both.
February is a moment to rediscover the foundations of great wine, not as museum pieces, but as living traditions being refreshed by a new generation of winemakers.
2024 Vera de Estenas Utiel-Requena Bobal
Utiel-Requena, Spain – red; bobal
From organically farmed bush-trained vines aged 55–95 years, grown on calcareous clay soils scattered with river stones at elevation. Fermented primarily in concrete with a short rest in used French oak, this Bobal captures the grape’s rustic depth while keeping freshness front and center. Old vines and dramatic day–night swings give structure without heaviness.
Tasting Notes: Black cherry, wild herbs, crushed stonePair With: Roasted chicken, red-sauce pizza, rich stewsVibe: Old-school soul with modern lift
2024 Rodica Malvasia
Truške, Slovenia – white; malvazija istriana
From terraced, south-facing vineyards near the Adriatic, cooled by sea breezes and rooted in limestone soils. A brief skin contact adds texture before fermentation in stainless steel, with a portion aged in large acacia barrels and bottled unfiltered. Aromatic, saline, and quietly layered.
Tasting Notes: Wildflowers, peach, citrus zestPair With: Truffle pasta, grilled fish, charcuterieVibe: Coastal elegance with gentle grip
2022 Louis & Catherine Poitout Bourgogne Blanc Vindemiola
Burgundy, France – white; chardonnay
An organic Bourgogne Blanc that leans into minerality and restraint rather than oak weight. Orchard fruit and lemon unfold into subtle brioche and warm spice. Creamy through the mid-palate, anchored by vibrant acidity and a quietly nutty finish.
Tasting Notes: Green apple, lemon peel, briochePair With: Garlic butter scallops, sushi rolls, goat cheese saladVibe: Classic Burgundy, refreshed
2023 Red Tail Ridge Winery The Farmer’s Muse Riesling
Finger Lakes, New York – white; riesling
A soulful Riesling that captures the region’s signature tension between fruit and minerality. Crisp yet expressive, balancing lime zest and white peach with slate-driven precision. Focused, clean, and deeply drinkable.
Tasting Notes: Lime zest, white peach, wet stonePair With: Spicy Thai noodles, pork chops with apples, fish tacosVibe: Bright energy with quiet depth
2023 Fort Ross Vineyard Chardonnay Sea Slopes
Sonoma Coast, California – white; chardonnay
Sourced from coastal slopes shaped by ocean influence, this Chardonnay balances citrus and white peach with flinty minerality. A touch of brioche adds texture without overwhelming the wine’s freshness and line.
Tasting Notes: Citrus zest, white peach, toasted briochePair With: Seared scallops, roasted chicken, mushroom risottoVibe: Coastal polish
2024 Clovis Côtes du Rhône
Rhône, France – red; syrah, merlot, alicante bouschet, caladoc
A gentle, modern take on Côtes du Rhône. Fermented with indigenous yeast and aged in steel and concrete, it highlights ripe cherry and blackberry framed by herbs and subtle spice. Smooth tannins and bright acidity keep it lively and approachable.
Tasting Notes: Ripe cherry, blackberry, dried thymePair With: Tartiflette, grilled meats, pizzaVibe: Everyday Rhône, reimagined
2023 Margins Millefiori Red
California, USA – red; sagrantino, cabernet franc, négrette, merlot, chenin blanc
“Millefiori” means a thousand flowers, and this light, expressive blend lives up to its name. Organically farmed fruit, fermented separately, then bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur. It sits between rosé and red, offering freshness with a subtle tannic hum.
Tasting Notes: Fresh strawberry, lemon peel, wild herbsPair With: Fish tacos, goat cheese baguette, fried chicken with hot honeyVibe: Playful and quietly complex
2021 Presqu'ile Pinot Noir Santa Barbara County
California, USA – red; pinot noir
Elegant and vibrant, this Pinot Noir leans into purity over power. Fresh raspberry and cherry meet earthy undertones of forest floor and herbs, finishing with a subtle peppery lift. Structured but never heavy.
Tasting Notes: Raspberry, cherry, forest floorPair With: Duck breast, grilled mushrooms, seared salmonVibe: Refined West Coast classic
January 2026: Spotlight on Single Vineyards
January invites a slower, more thoughtful way of drinking. After the rush of the holidays, this month’s box turns the focus to place and the exact vineyards where these wines begin.
Each bottle in this collection comes from a single vineyard, chosen for its ability to express something distinctive about its soil, climate, and setting. These are wines shaped not just by grape variety, but by slope, sun, wind, and the hands that tend the land year after year.
You’ll taste the difference immediately. Reds show depth and structure that reflect their growing sites, while whites offer clarity, texture, and energy drawn straight from their vineyards. Every glass tells a story of where it comes from. No blending across sites. No shortcuts. Just honest expressions of place.
This lineup is perfect for lingering winter meals, quiet nights in, and conversations that unfold slowly. These are wines that reward attention, whether you’re sipping casually or tasting more intentionally.
January is about resetting, refining, and reconnecting with what we drink and why we drink it. This box is an invitation to explore vineyards one by one, glass by glass, and start the year grounded in something real, expressive, and beautifully made.
Let these wines remind you that sometimes, the most compelling stories come from focusing on just one place and letting it speak for itself.
Iris Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
Sam’s Valley Vineyard, Rogue Valley, Oregon – red; cabernet sauvignon
Oregon may be known for Pinot, but this warmer Rogue Valley site produces Cabernet with lift, elegance, and freshness. This is not a heavy fruit bomb. Instead, it’s a vibrant, site-driven expression shaped by cool nights and mineral-rich soils.
Tasting Notes: Black currant, plum, and dried sagePair With: Bison burgers, grilled portobello mushrooms, or rosemary flatbreadVibe: Rustic winter meals and fireside conversation
J. Wilkes Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Paso Robles Highlands District, California – red; cabernet sauvignon
From one of Paso’s high-altitude sweet spots, this Cabernet balances deep ripeness with structure and acidity thanks to dramatic day-to-night temperature shifts. Powerful, but beautifully grounded.
Tasting Notes: Ripe black cherry, toffee, mocha, and dusty tanninsPair With: Ribeye steak, braised short ribs, or aged cheddarVibe: Bold flavors and long, cozy dinners
Handley Cellars Petite Sirah 2017 (Library Release)
Redwood Valley, California – red; petite sirah
This library release shows how beautifully Petite Sirah can evolve with time. After years in bottle, the grape’s natural intensity softens into something polished, layered, and deeply comforting.
Tasting Notes: Blackberry confiture, molasses, black tea, and leatherPair With: Venison chili, lamb shanks, or dark chocolate truffle cakeVibe: Slow-cooked dishes and lingering winter nights
Amadio Rosso Quattro Single Vineyard Selection 2017
Adelaide Hills, South Australia – red blend
A single-vineyard blend of Merlot, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Grenache grown in the cool hills of Adelaide. It combines Australian fruit generosity with Old World savory spice in a fresh, medium-bodied frame.
Tasting Notes: Dark cherry, anise, and wild herbsPair With: Wood-fired pizza, pasta bolognese, or an antipasto platterVibe: Casual gatherings with serious flavor
Iris Vineyards Viognier 2023
Steelhead Run Vineyard, Applegate Valley, Oregon – white; viognier
Grown along the Applegate River, this vineyard preserves Viognier’s delicate aromatics while keeping acidity bright and refreshing. Lush, floral, and sunny in the glass.
Tasting Notes: Orange blossom, honeysuckle, and apricotPair With: Thai green curry, scallops with peach salsa, or roast chickenVibe: A bright lift on gray winter days
Eco Terreno Sauvignon Blanc Cuvée Acero 2021
Alexander Valley, California – white; sauvignon blanc
“Acero” means steel, and this biodynamically farmed Sauvignon Blanc sees no oak, allowing the vineyard’s precision and minerality to shine through with total clarity.
Tasting Notes: Papaya, sweet lime, lemon, and a flinty, dry finishPair With: Goat cheese salad, fresh oysters, or lemon-herb tilapiaVibe: Clean, focused, and palate-refreshing
Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc Block 11 Reserve 2023
Dry Creek Valley, California – white; sauvignon blanc
Sourced from a specific block of the estate vineyard, this wine shows a richer, more textured side of Sauvignon Blanc while still delivering bright citrus energy.
Tasting Notes: Yellow apple, Meyer lemon, and fresh passionfruitPair With: Grilled swordfish, pesto pasta, or chicken piccataVibe: Sunshine energy in the middle of winter
Complant Chardonnay Linda Vista Vineyard 2022
Napa Valley, California – white; chardonnay
From the legendary Linda Vista Vineyard, this Chardonnay leans into energy and balance rather than heavy oak. Mineral-driven and elegant, it sets a high standard for the year ahead.
Tasting Notes: Quince, red apple, white peach, and subtle herbal spicePair With: Dungeness crab, roast turkey sandwiches, or creamy camembertVibe: Polished, poised, and quietly impressive