Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Grace Koshu 2023 – Yamanashi GI, Japan 🇯🇵

Overview
Produced from 100% Koshu, Japan’s signature indigenous white grape, this wine is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel to preserve purity and transparency. Grown in the elevated vineyards of Katsunuma, Yamanashi, it beautifully expresses the restrained elegance that has made Grace Wine an international benchmark for Japanese fine wine.

Aromas & Flavors
Yuzu, lemon peel, green apple, white peach, Asian pear, and delicate white flowers lead into subtle mineral notes with hints of wet stone and citrus zest. Delicate rather than aromatic, everything is driven by finesse.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, a steely mineral backbone, and exceptional precision. The texture recalls the purity of Chablis with a subtle sake-like silkiness, finishing remarkably clean, refreshing, and focused.

Food Pairings
Sashimi, sushi, crudo, oysters, grilled white fish, tempura, steamed shellfish, or lightly seasoned Japanese cuisine.

Verdict
An elegant expression of Japan’s flagship white grape that prioritizes freshness, balance, and precision over power. Refined, mineral-driven, and wonderfully food-friendly, it stands comfortably among the world’s finest delicate white wines.

Did You Know?
Koshu has been cultivated in Japan for nearly 1,000 years and is believed to descend from ancient grapes that traveled along the Silk Road before adapting to Japan’s humid climate. Today, Yamanashi is considered the spiritual home of premium Koshu wines.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of the purest and most distinctive white wines I’ve experienced. Its combination of crystalline freshness, mineral precision, and understated elegance makes it a benchmark not only for Japanese wine, but for delicate, terroir-driven whites anywhere in the world. It has earned a permanent place among my favorite food wines. — 16 days ago

Christian Carroll

10

Sooo good so tasty!! I drink one bottle every day it's amazing!! — 4 years ago

ESF

9.2

See previous note, some time has really improved this wine - represents outstanding QPR. Again, very international style Rioja - super generous & delicious — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

See previous notes. Put simply this is a stunning Chardonnay as its Show Record will attest, with at least 5 Trophies including Best Wine in Show at the Royal Hobart International Wine Show. A good combination of citrus and stone fruit with leesy complexity and incredible length of flavour. Demonstrates once again how great Margaret River is for Chardonnay. I’m glad I have 3 bottles left. A huge bargain at $30 per bottle. Tasted again on 6th November 2021, 28 weeks later. Nothing to add. Just a killer Chardonnay which has won 5 Trophies and cost $30. QPR does not get much better than this. 96 points. Tasted final bottle on 16th June 2022 with consistent notes. Oak has fully integrated into the fruit. Should seek out more at this price. Hopefully they have kept up the standard with later vintages. — 5 years ago

Nikki Vlasic

9.1

Spanish wine contestant in our International Wine Tasting Night — 6 years ago

Ruud Verhagen

9.1

International Chenin Blanc Day — 7 years ago

Peter James

9.0

International Women’s Day DBX — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

San Polo “Rubio” Toscana IGT 2023
Toscana IGT – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A modern Tuscan red blend crafted with certified organic grapes, primarily driven by Sangiovese and complemented by small percentages of international varieties, typically including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon depending on the vintage. Produced by San Polo in the heart of Montalcino, this wine captures the approachable yet structured identity of contemporary Toscana IGT wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, wild berries, plum, and subtle violet notes layered with touches of spice, dried herbs, and soft earthy undertones. The international varieties add roundness and darker fruit nuances while Sangiovese maintains freshness and energy.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity, polished tannins, and a balanced texture. Fresh and approachable while still maintaining enough structure to feel distinctly Tuscan.

Food Pairings
Excellent with pizza, pasta with red sauce, grilled sausages, charcuterie boards, roasted chicken, or aged pecorino cheese.

Verdict
A very enjoyable and versatile Toscana IGT that showcases Sangiovese as the backbone while allowing international grapes to soften and broaden the profile. Authentic enough to reflect Tuscany, yet approachable enough for casual everyday drinking.

🍷 Did You Know?
The Toscana IGT classification was created partly to give producers more flexibility beyond strict DOC/DOCG regulations, allowing the use of international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot alongside traditional Tuscan varieties, ultimately helping launch the famous “Super Tuscan” movement back in late 60’s and early 70’s. — 2 months ago

R Bl

9.0

Nice cab blend - still a little tannin. Label says 30% France, 22% Chile, 30% Australia, 18% USA. No vintage on label but artwork says ‘92 which seems right. — 4 years ago

Nick

9.2

Absolutely caught me off guard. This was a simple gift from family. Now my wife and I are scrambling to buy another bottle. A phenomenal blend. Full bodied and spice. I would love for someone who actually knows what they’re talking about to try and this lol — 4 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.3

2018 vintage. The high end wine of this excellent Puisseguin Saint-Emilion estate. — 4 years ago

Benno

9.1

Quite dark, a little heady. Doesn’t particularly convey a sense of place, and quite international, but well done. Keep a few more years. — 6 years ago

Steve Medbery

9.0

Very solid right bank Bordeaux. Cherry, cedar snd black current. 80% Merlot 20% Cab Franc. — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 2015 Ramey ‘Hyde VIneyard’ Chardonnay is a simply gorgeous new wine that is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker, David Ramey. Set on clay loam soils, the strongly marine-influenced Hyde Vineyard has gained an international reputation for producing outstanding Chardonnay grapes. This Carneros bottling shows intense nutmeg, vanilla creme brulee, macadamia nut and heavy whipping cream flavors that impress. Lithe and rich, this gorgeous bottling will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94 — 7 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Macchia – “Delicious” Barbera – 2023
Heaven’s Vines, Lodi – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Barbera from Lodi. an Italian indigenous grape known for its naturally high acidity, juicy fruit, and casual drinkability. Macchia Winery, celebrated for producing over 20 distinct styles of Zinfandel, also showcases its versatility with Italian varieties. Consistently recognized with domestic and international awards, the winery brings Barbera into the spotlight with this vibrant estate bottling.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries, plum, blackberry compote, and a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. Fresh, fruity, and forward with that classic Barbera brightness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a smooth, easygoing finish. Juicy fruit drives the palate, making it approachable and highly sip-worthy.

Food Pairings
Perfect with pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie. A true “any day, any time” red.

Verdict
A fun, approachable, and fruit-driven Barbera with Macchia’s signature Lodi generosity. Casual enough for weeknight sipping yet polished enough to show the quality behind this estate-grown wine.

Did You Know?
Barbera is one of Italy’s most widely planted red grapes, cherished for its fresh acidity and versatility. In California, Lodi’s warm days and cool delta breezes help the variety express generous fruit while maintaining balance. — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

This is an amazing IGT out of international variety Sauv. Blanc, it has a up lifting acidity, mild citrusy, mandarin peel. Compelling sapidity, nice minerality, dry and very refreshing. A subtle touch of wood, and low in AVB% 12. Deliciously mouthfeel. Cheers! — a year ago

Vanessa

9.1

Happy International Merlot Day!! — 4 years ago

with Deked1

Jason Troendle

9.4

Sweet and not too strong — 6 years ago

with Mandy

Bob McDonald

9.5

Wine No. 6 of the 8 Cabernets we tasted blind on Saturday. The idea for this tasting came from Cape Mentelle who annually have an International Cabernet tasting at the winery in WA where they have the confidence to put their wine up against the best Cabernets in the world every year. This has all of the classic Cabernet descriptors of black olive, red fruits, cigar box etc. Ranked #6 of the 8 Cabernets we tasted on the day. Again needs to be cellared to realise its ultimate potential. — 6 years ago

J. Kim

9.1

The aroma is pure Burgundian oak, also emits subtle Ribeira Sacra terroir notes. Plush and velvety texture, clearly a fine wine with ambition, slightly softened with international feel, and without a strong individual voice. — 8 years ago