Freddy R. Troya

9.0

occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.

Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — a year ago

Cari Swanson

9.0

Had better and had worse …. Good pairing with steak…. No need to breath. — 5 years ago

Living Jazz Archive

9.1

Tastes like passion fruit! Recommended my Amelie, a wine connoisseur... 😎 — 6 years ago

Marshall Todd Herron DPM

9.9

Hall wines present Howell Mountain Cabernet sauvignon at 16.1%... Holy mother of dehydration. You better have lots of water on board. Big bold meaty kick you in the teeth cab! This wine has all of my favorites dark berries oak leather cigarbox earthy clean dry finish leaving you thirsty for more. Only buy this Cabernet if you’re a serious Cabernet connoisseur!!! — 7 years ago

Scotty Spurlin

9.2

One of those wines that still has me thinking about it hours after the last glass. This is 🔥. Not a connoisseur by any stretch, but reminded me of white burg a lot — 7 years ago

Holly Oakes Sleppy

9.3

I’m not a connoisseur - I just love this wine. — 8 years ago

Roman Sukley

9.9

2012 Cayuse "Bionic Frog" Walla Walla Valley Syrah. In honor of my finally having made the grade to be blessed to receive a Frog allocation from Mr. Baron, I thought I’d celebrate by pulling the cork on this beast which was gifted to me by the most generous and revered wine Connoisseur, the man with the palate I so very much respect, the Rake of the Left Coast, the right honorable Mr. Bill Bender (@Bill Bender) First off, I find the Bionic Frog in general to be one of the most hedonistic, completely over the top and playful expressions of Syrah on the planet which of course, places it squarely in my wheelhouse. Still the most unique wine in the Cayuse lineup, and arguably one of the most sought after Syrah’s around. And now on to this vintage in particular, which none other than the esteemed Jeb Dunnuck(the one reviewer who I find to have a palate most closely aligned with my own) described with the enticing phrase “flirts with perfection.” Opaque, impenetrable ink blue in the stem. Wild, typical stoney Cayuse aromatics of black olives, bacon fat and dark fruits with notes of violets and lavender. A combination savory/sweet palate with olive tapenade, mushrooms and tar combined with sweet black plums and blueberry compote. Super rich, lush mouth feel. Dense concentration. Amazingly pleasing salinity on the lengthy finish. A full-throttle Porsche Cup Car lap of Road America, complete with The Kink, wine experience. (A track day we need to reprise soon Chuck). Sensory overload in the best way possible! The Frog knows! — 8 years ago

J Rolando Flores

9.6

Given to me by Joseph Loisel, a true wine connoisseur. Loved it — 4 years ago

Veronica S

9.5

Opened up this puppy from a good friend, what a nice surprise. I didn’t know I was a gin connoisseur until I realized how much I appreciate the aroma and the mouth feel. Hint of rose and stone fruit, barely any juniper, that’s probably why I love it, so soft and smooth on the tongue. I don’t think I want to put any tonic in it. Lol. Thanks Ross! — 4 years ago

Dawn E.

9.0

This Sunday evening after my work weekend; which was actually one 12 hr. Shift short; (Covid vaccine #2 kicked my behind! ⛑). I have opened this Napa Cabernet!. I am the only wine Connoisseur in the household so my collection is humble and am trying to desperately NOT open certain wines!
I have to remind myself that wine has its journey and sometimes it is just awesome to taste a wine where it is at in this moment!
Sure this might be better in five years, this wine is delicious and reasonably priced! Presents with mild Tannins, Bing Cherry, cedar big time, pencil lead, soft vanilla, mocha and subtle baking spices!
No regrets! Cheers to your work week! Vintage
2018 — 5 years ago

Jeni Tomczak

9.9

Slightly mineraly & tart with a semi-dry green apple fruity finish. I probably am describing this completely wrong as I am no connoisseur so don’t listen to me, this is really only for my own personal reference. My new fav, it’s 🔥 — 6 years ago

Hudson Lacy

8.9

Not much of a wine connoisseur, but can honestly say this is one of the best wines I’ve had from TJ’s. For under 7$ this is really smooth and consistent throughout. Good stuff. — 7 years ago

Kim Stanbro

8.9

I’m no sake connoisseur but with great sushi and perfect weather, this wasn’t too shabby. — 7 years ago

with Dave

Jo Anne B

9.2

My 18 year old niece has now tasted a 1969 Chianti. I’m turning her I to a connoisseur. Her mother is thrilled😳😬 — 8 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Dark reddish purple with near black core. Inviting nose and medium full palate of ashy blueberry, red blackberry, and high-cocoa dark chocolate. Dusty, medium plus tannins present (but not assertive) from entry. Medium acidity wrapped up in it all, and a lengthy finish wraps it all up. Classic California PS with enough stuffing for the connoisseur, but still enough approachability for the novice. Drink now through 2030. — 4 years ago

Duane Nicholson

9.1

Let’s qualify this statement by saying that I’m not a wine connoisseur. That said, I really enjoyed this wine. Not overly sweet and smooth.. — 4 years ago

Kristin the Wine Girl

9.0

Ripe cherry drives the nose and palate, making very approachable for the domestic connoisseur. Sour cherry, acid and herbal earthy forest flavors enhance complexity on the mid- and finishing notes. — 6 years ago

Ryan Vento

9.3

Such an awesome blend 💥 Only the second bottling I’ve had from Lewis Cellars but the more I drink their juice the more of a fan I become. On @Delectable this is listed as being a Cabernet Sauvignon blend - perhaps other vintages contain that varietal - but this 2016 has none of it whatsoever. Weighing in at a crushing 15.5% ABV, this blend is a composition of 61% Syrah, 38% Merlot, and 1% Petite Sirah that surprisingly has very little heat to speak of. Suave, velvety, oaky, meaty, jammy, and full of stewed, brooding dark fruits, bacon jam, vanilla, anise, clove, menthol, mocha, graphite, all embedded in some serious texture. One especially unique aspect about this wine’s nose is the perfume on it. Being a serious fragrance connoisseur, I routinely pick up on similarities between my perfumes and colognes and the wines that I drink. While this is nothing especially unique in and of itself, this particular blend has noticeable notes of musk and bergamot that send my senses into a maelstrom of satisfaction. I digress. The tannins are nowhere near being resolved but this presents in a silky smooth fashion. Love it. — 6 years ago

with Krystal

Sarena Johnson

8.9

I'm not quite a connoisseur yet but I really enjoyed this wine..I think it was more about the company tho..he was v sexxy.. so this one will always be one of my faves xox — 7 years ago

Cassandra Bartunek

9.1

Really like this wine. I’m no wine connoisseur, but it’s smooth and almost seems to have hints of cherry. — 8 years ago