Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Smith Bench – Chardonnay – 2023
Arroyo Seco AVA – Monterey County – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Chardonnay sourced from the cool-climate Arroyo Seco AVA in Monterey, produced under the Wente Family Estates umbrella. Arroyo Seco’s strong diurnal shifts and well-drained gravelly soils help retain freshness while allowing full phenolic ripeness. This is a polished, approachable California Chardonnay that leans slightly toward oak influence without losing varietal clarity.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pineapple, golden apple, baked pear, and hints of mango, layered with vanilla, toasted oak, and a subtle touch of baking spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a smooth, rounded texture. The oak adds creaminess, while underlying acidity keeps the palate lively and prevents heaviness.

Food Pairings
Roast chicken, grilled shrimp with butter, lobster rolls, creamy pasta dishes, corn risotto, or mild washed-rind cheeses.

Verdict
An easy-drinking, crowd-pleasing Chardonnay that showcases the classic Wente family style, fruit-forward, lightly oaked, and well-balanced. Ideal as a casual sipper or reliable dinner companion when you want comfort and familiarity without excess weight.

Did You Know?
The Wente family is widely credited with introducing the Chardonnay clone that became the foundation of much of California’s Chardonnay plantings, making them one of the most influential names in U.S. Chardonnay history. — a month ago

Galen Hasler

9.0

Perfect balanced. Ideal food pairing better alone — 2 years ago

Galen Hasler

9.0

Good not ideal — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Château du Tertre, Red Blend – 2018
AOC Margaux – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷
5th Growth, Grand Cru Classé en 1855

Overview
A historic Margaux estate, Château du Tertre sits on a prominent gravel “tertre” (hillock) that gives the château its name. The 2018 vintage was a warm and generous year, producing wines with depth, richness, and polished tannins. The estate’s blend for the V.18 crafted Cabernet Sauvignon 40%, Merlot 30%, Cabernet Franc 25%, and Petit Verdot 5%, delivering the quintessential Margaux elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and ripe plum layered with graphite, cedar, and cigar box. Hints of violets, licorice, and cocoa weave through the bouquet, adding complexity.

Mouthfeel
Elegant yet bold: medium to full-bodied with polished and structured tannins, a silky mid-palate, and a long, harmonious finish. A wine showing its prime with youthful vibrancy and well-integrated oak.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb with herbs, beef Wellington, duck breast, Truffle risotto, porcini pasta, mushroom burgers, aged Gruyère, Manchego, or Brie de Meaux.

Verdict
The 2018 vintage is a standout for Margaux, and Château du Tertre shines with a balance of power and finesse. Dark-fruited, silky, and aromatic, this wine embodies the elegance that Margaux is celebrated for, approachable now, yet cellar-worthy for another decade.

Did You Know?
Château du Tertre shares historical ties with Château Giscours (also in Margaux), once under the same ownership. Its elevated gravel terroir provides excellent drainage, making it ideal for Cabernet Sauvignon’s deep root systems.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: For me, the 2018 du Tertre is the sweet spot, Margaux elegance meets ripe, modern Bordeaux style, without sacrificing finesse and within a reasonable price point. Cheers! — 3 months ago

Romain Fitoussi

9.0

A real vinous sparkling wine. Extra dry. Beautiful pale dress, fine but numerous bubbles. Very expressive nose of peach, pear, candied citrus, brioche, dried fruits, hazelnut, and a saline touch, which extends on a sharp final. With 5 years of aging 2017, offers unity and a beautiful relief. Ideal to accompany a meal. Relevant alternative to Champagnes, especially in terms of its price!

Un vrai pétillant vineux, extra sec. Belle robe pale, bulles fines mais nombreuses. Nez très expressif de pêches, poire, agrumes confits, notes briochées, fruits secs, noisette, et un toucher salin, qui se prolonge bien sur une finale tranchante. Avec 5 ans de garde 2017 offre une unité et un beau relief. Idéal pour accompagner un repas. Alternative pertinente aux champagnes, surtout au regard de son prix! — 3 years ago

Raphael Scheib

9.0

Dunkel, schwer, ideal zu rotem Fleisch — 6 years ago

Scott Kahn

9.2

Very enjoyable Cabernet Franc with ripe fruit - completely lacking the herbaceous notes sometime present with this varietal. Rich flavors and elegant nose - 2009 seems to be an ideal year for Loire Cabernet Franc — 3 months ago

Scott Kahn

9.0

This well-preserved bottle did not disappoint albeit I think that it is in decline from its ideal maturity. The tannins were perfectly integrated and soft, and the fruit has started to decline on the front palette. The color is claret and is less intense than a younger Bordeaux. — 2 years ago

Alfonso Serrano

9.5

Excelente vino con la cena de navidad. Mucho cuerpo y sabor, ideal para fetejar un gran año. — 5 years ago

Ross Baldassaro

9.3

Oof, lovely balance of power and finesse. Wild-grown red and black cherries/berries with a tug-of-war between earth and fruit. Some clay. Tannins still need some integration and this vintage would be best with a few more years; 4-8 ideal. Lovely to drink; enjoyed with duck which was a treat to pair. — 5 years ago