Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Far Niente – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022 🇺🇸
Napa Valley, California

Overview
An outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon showing remarkable structure and exceptional mouthfeel. Dark-fruited, intense, and beautifully multi-layered, a textbook Far Niente expression crafted with finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and plum lead the charge, supported by subtle cocoa, graphite, and warm spice. The layers reveal themselves gradually, each turn more compelling than the last.

Mouthfeel
Polished, concentrated, and silky with balanced tannins. The weight is assertive yet refined, a seamless glide across the palate.

Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled ribeye, slow-braised short ribs, truffle-infused dishes, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
Well made, well structured, and beautifully expressive. This 2022 vintage captures everything one expects from Far Niente: elegance, depth, and a long, confident finish. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Red blend – 2022
Pauillac AOC – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Left Bank classicism meets modern precision. A Cabernet-dominant blend at 87% and 13% Merlot that showcases Pauillac’s hallmark structure wrapped in surprising elegance. Certified organic and biodynamic, made by Claire Villars-Lurton, one of the leading women in Bordeaux.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, plum skin, and violets with subtle tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Young, fresh, and layered.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished, seamless texture. Harmonious and structured with a delicious, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, ribeye, duck breast, mushroom ragù, or aged Comté.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, terroir-driven Pauillac that delivers finesse without sacrificing power. Delicious now, but built to evolve gracefully.

Did You Know?
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Fifth Growth from the 1855 Classification, situated next on to Château Latour. The “Libéral” family were 18th-century négociants who selected some of Pauillac’s best parcels, many still form the estate today. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Edouard Delaunay – Pinot Noir – 2023
Bourgogne Hautes-Côtes de Nuits AOC – Burgundy, France 🇫🇷

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from higher-altitude sites west of the Côte de Nuits, where cooler conditions preserve freshness and aromatic clarity. A refined, terroir-driven Burgundy showing surprising precision and balance for the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherries, cranberry, and raspberry with subtle rose petal, light earth, and a gentle herbal lift. Bright fruit rather than extraction, with a whisper of oak spice on the finish.

Mouthfeel
Light-medium body with lively acidity, silky tannins, and a clean, elegant structure. Refreshing, delicate, and quietly complex, more finesse than power.

Food Pairings
Roast chicken, seared duck breast, mushroom risotto, Comté, charcuterie, or classic French bistro fare.

Verdict
A graceful and well-made Bourgogne with purity, balance, and lift. Understated and charming; perfect for Burgundy fans who enjoy subtlety over opulence.

Did You Know?
Hautes-Côtes de Nuits vineyards sit 100–150m higher than the Côte d’Or, giving wines naturally higher acidity and fresher aromatics, traits increasingly prized in modern Burgundy. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Valserrano – Viura – 2023
Rioja Alavesa DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A barrel-fermented white made from 100% Viura, showcasing the bright, zesty character of Rioja Alavesa with a subtle touch of oak for texture and lift, without weighing it down.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green apple, white peach, and citrus blossom with hints of saline minerality and light vanilla. Fresh, vibrant, and expressive.

Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity, medium body, and a lively, zesty profile. Clean, balanced, and enticing with a refreshing finish that keeps you coming back.

Food Pairings
Seafood, grilled octopus, oysters, ceviche, or manchego cheese. Also excellent with sushi or Mediterranean salads.

Verdict
A modern, energetic take on Viura, bright, balanced, and quietly elegant. Perfect for fans of zesty whites with just enough structure to feel serious.

Did You Know?
Viura (a.k.a. Macabeo) is the backbone of white Rioja, and barrel fermentation, rather than just barrel aging, adds complexity and finesse while preserving freshness. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Nickel & Nickel – Vaca Vista Vineyard – Cab Sauv– 2022
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A single-vineyard Napa Cabernet sourced from the cool and elegant Oak Knoll District. Fermented and aged with the classic Nickel & Nickel precision, this expression favors balance, red-to-dark fruit purity, and structure over sheer power. A modern Napa style that emphasizes approachability without sacrificing depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, cassis, plum, and violet, with cedar, vanilla, graphite, and a touch of baking spice. Subtle oak integration allows the fruit and minerality to shine.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus in body, polished, and cohesive. Fresh acidity, supple tannins, and a graceful arc from entry to finish. Not a bruiser — a refined, cooler-climate profile that stays lively and lifted.

Food Pairings
Flat iron steak, short ribs, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb chops, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, site-driven Napa Cabernet that delivers both sophistication and drinkability. Finessed rather than forceful, and a strong example of why Oak Knoll continues to be one of Napa’s most exciting AVAs for Cabernet.

Did You Know?
Nickel & Nickel was founded by the Far Niente family with a mission to produce 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines, showcasing Napa’s terroir with clarity. Oak Knoll is one of Napa Valley’s coolest sub-AVAs, producing elegant, aromatic reds with natural acidity and restraint.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Oak Knoll being a single-vineyard expression from this sub-AVA makes it one of the easiest, most easygoing Cabernets from the Napa floor, and I always like to have it as an opener when pouring more intense Napa reds. A perfect warm-up that sets the stage beautifully. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Tensley – Syrah – 2023
Colson Canyon Vineyard – Santa Barbara County – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Syrah from the high-elevation Colson Canyon Vineyard, a benchmark site that consistently delivers powerful yet balanced fruit. This vintage shows tension between ripeness, structure, and freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, blackberry, cracked pepper, violet, licorice, and a subtle smoky undertone. Dark, spicy, and focused.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus body with sleek acidity and fine, integrated tannins. Concentrated but not heavy, with a long, peppery finish that lingers.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb, beef skewers, duck confit, pepper-crusted steak, or roasted mushrooms.

Verdict
A balanced, expressive Syrah with depth, spice, and length – a great example of why Santa Barbara continues to challenge the top Rhône-style regions.

Did You Know?
Colson Canyon sits at nearly 1,500 ft elevation, producing small berries with thick skins, a key reason these Syrahs show intense color, aromatics, and age-worthy structure. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Caiarossa – “Pergolaia” Red blend– 2020
IGT Toscana – Riparbella, Alta Maremma – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A biodynamically farmed Super Tuscan red built around Sangiovese as the core, blended with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Pergolaia is Caiarossa’s most approachable expression, combining Mediterranean warmth with coastal freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherries, dried cranberry, tobacco leaf, and baking spices with hints of plum, cedar, and faint herbal tones. A mix of earthy Tuscan soul and dark-fruit Bordeaux flair.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, supple, and structured with polished tannins and lively acidity. Balanced, savory, and elegant rather than opulent. The finish is clean with a gentle mineral echo.

Food Pairings
Pasta al ragù, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, aged pecorino, or grilled sausages with herbs.

Verdict
A smart, quietly refined Tuscan blend, accessible yet serious, with the coastal lift that makes Caiarossa wines so compelling. A great value when you want nuance, not weight.

Did You Know?
Caiarossa farms according to Demeter-certified biodynamic principles, and their vineyards sit on a mix of clay, silt, and volcanic rock, a key reason for the signature mineral tension in their wines. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Bella Union – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A polished Napa Cabernet from the Far Niente family, crafted to deliver plush fruit, approachability, and a recognizable house style in the mid-upper tier market. Blended with small amounts of Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties for balance and softness.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, cocoa, vanilla, and sweet baking spice. Subtle oak toast adds warmth without overwhelming the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, smooth, and rounded with ripe tannins and a supple, easy-flowing texture. Comforting rather than challenging; well-executed and balanced.

Food Pairings
Short ribs, grilled ribeye, mushroom burgers, aged Gouda, or rosemary lamb chops.

Verdict
A solid, high-quality Napa Cabernet that delivers exactly what it promises: richness, fruit-forward appeal, and premium polish. Not groundbreaking, but dependable, enjoyable, and consumer-friendly.

Did You Know?
Bella Union was launched by Far Niente to specifically highlight Napa Valley Cabernet with vineyard diversity, sourcing from Rutherford, Oakville, and beyond, allowing more stylistic freedom than the flagship estate wines. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Renieri – Re di Renieri – 2021
Toscana IGT – Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A Bordeaux-inspired Super Tuscan blend made from organically grown grapes: 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Modern in style but deeply Tuscan in attitude — bold, structured, and expressive.

Aromas & Flavors
Black plum, blackberry compote, cassis, licorice, graphite, and dried herbs, with hints of cocoa and cedar. Dark, savory, and layered.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, dry, and punchy with assertive tannins and fresh acidity. Youthful power and drive, but well-integrated structure. Long, spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Verdict
An impactful, character-driven Super Tuscan that flexes richness, structure, and attitude. Not shy, but compelling and delicious.

Did You Know?
Renieri is part of the Bacci family of estates, known for farming organically long before it became fashionable in Tuscany, and for crafting expressive reds with a distinct volcanic-soil signature. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Pinto Winery – Chardonnay 2023
Negev – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
Single-varietal 100% Chardonnay from desert-grown vineyards in Yerucham, Mitzpe Ramon, and Omer in the Negev. Hand-harvested fruit, vinified to highlight freshness, mineral lift, and the unique tension created by extreme diurnal swings and arid, high-stress conditions. Modern Israeli white wine that prioritizes terroir clarity over oak influence.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, green pear, white peach, and saline minerality, with subtle herbal undertones and toasted almond. Bright citrus energy leading into a gentle savory finish.

Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium bodied with notable acidity, clean texture, and a crisp, persistent line. Lean, mineral, and refreshing rather than creamy or buttery.

Food Pairings
Grilled white fish, pan-seared shrimp, falafel with tahini, halloumi, Mediterranean salads, roast chicken with herbs.

Verdict
A fresh, Chablis-leaning take on desert Chardonnay, combining brightness, salinity, and place-driven character. Elegant, modern, and quietly impressive, especially for its extreme growing conditions.

Did You Know?
Israel pioneered advanced drip-irrigation technology, allowing vineyards to thrive in the Negev desert. This innovation is now used in top wine regions worldwide.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This wine instantly reminded me of a Chablis-style expression, subtle flavors, mineral lift, and a delicate finish. A very elegant Chardonnay at an accessible price point, and a surprising standout from an unexpected place.
— 5 days ago