Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Piccolo Cru’ – Red Blend – Vintage 2021
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An Italian-inspired Bordeaux blend crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Gabriella Gazano, who has guided the estate for over 25 years. This cuvée unites 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that marries the structural power of Bordeaux varietals with Mediterranean elegance and Napa Valley ripeness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant layers of dark cherries, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cocoa, and a whisper of dried herbs. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice from the oak complete the aromatic tapestry.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful. Firm, polished tannins give structure while a velvety mid-palate carries richness and depth. The finish is persistent, balancing dark fruit with savory spice.

Food Pairings
Made for hearty and soulful fare: osso buco, braised short ribs, Tuscan ribollita, or grilled ribeye. A natural partner for Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize flavor and tradition.

Verdict
Piccolo Cru’ is a harmonious bridge between Old World refinement and New World power. Structured, soulful, and deeply satisfying, it captures both the strength of Napa terroir and the finesse of Italian winemaking artistry.

Did You Know?
Calistoga, the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, is famed for its volcanic soils and hot days cooled by evening breezes. These extremes allow Bordeaux varietals to develop ripeness and structure in equal measure, ideal for blends like Piccolo Cru’.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle sings of duality: a Tuscan heart wrapped in Napa muscle. It’s soulful, elegant, and powerful, a wine I’d revisit for its depth, story, and sense of place. — 7 days ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Classic volcanic red. Dark garnet. Abundant nose of blackberry tea, brick, and red apple peel. Echoed on the medium palate with juicy medium plus acidity and fine, earthen medium tannins. Palate continues through the dark and lengthy finish. What Etna is all about. Juicy, earthen fruit that's a fine accompaniment to almost any red wine (and some white wine) fare. Great alternative to Pinot Noir or Garnacha. Drink now through 2026. — 3 years ago

Chris MacLean

9.1

Superb with fancy Chinese fare — 4 years ago

with Sarah

Steven Beishuizen

8.9

On the nose, this is all red current... Raspberry takes over for me on the palate... Tart but not overly acidic. Graphite. Light vegetal. Tannins are smoothe... Red plum skins. Very powdery pepper. The finish is just medium and there the raspberry turns more candied or artificial. We paired with serious BBQ fare... Brisket and smoked chicken legs... I think the raspberry notes here really worked with the BBQ as we didn't include any rich molasses-y BBQ sauces. The Greek origin of the wine had me include quite a bit of oregano in the rub for the chicken which also seemed to elevate with the wine. — a year ago

with Anita

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Dark amethyst. Inviting, voluptuous nose of blackberry and violets. Echoed on the medium full, fruit-forward palate adding juicy black cherry and a hint of earthenware. Medium tannins and medium plus acidity. Excellent Dundee Hills PN that's a great foil for almost any fare, but with enough fruit for on its own drinking. A bridge between California and Burgundy. Drink now through 2026 or even a bit beyond. — 3 years ago

ESF

9.3

Thanksgiving Standard - with life left, showing classic aged Burgundy color, nose & palate. Hasn’t lost much weight making it fantastic w/turkey day fare — 4 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Dark red purple with near black core. Inviting nose and medium full palate of black currant, burnt plum, and light tar with medium acidity and lip smacking, medium plus tannins, all carried through the medium long finish. That finish is dark and site particularly prominently mid-tongue. A steak wine without question, but also at home with a wide range of hearty and rustic fare. Drink now through 2028. — 2 years ago

Louis Martin

9.1

Sweet, light, burst of cherry, with slightly bitter aftertaste. Goes well with classic Italian fare (we paired with spaghetti and Turkey meatballs). — 3 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Deep, glass-clinging red purple with near black core. Peppery boysenberry rules the abundant nose. Echoed on the full-bodied palate along with ashen leather (leathery ash?) and black cranberry. Juicy medium acidity. Medium plus, non-aggressive tannins. A classic Gigondas from a world class producer of same. Hearty winter and early spring fare (I’m having pot roast) will shine, but feel free to let this upscale your cookout! Drink now through 2030. — 4 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Dark, glass-clinging reddish purple to the edge with a near opaque core. Inviting nose of blueberry and graphitey plum. Full bodied palate echoes the nose with a licorice blackberry added mid-palate to moderately long finish. Medium acidity. Medium minus tannins (more assertive at the finish and after air). What else would you expect from an “entry level” blend by the masters at Titus? This is an classic California red blend that’s a perfect accompaniment to premium fare and ready to upscale your picnics and Tuesday night dinners. Brisket, barbecue, or anything in between. Drink now through 2024. — 4 years ago