Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Five Stones Vineyards – D vs G Dry White Wine 2024
Tel Azekah, Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A Mediterranean-driven dry white from the Tel Azekah area in the Judean Hills, where limestone-rich soils and elevation shape wines of clarity and finesse. This blend of 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Roussanne, and 30% Viognier reflects thoughtful craftsmanship and terroir transparency. Sauvignon Blanc delivers freshness and aromatic lift, while Roussanne and Viognier contribute texture, floral nuance, and depth, resulting in a balanced and expressive white.

Aromas & Flavors
Refined and intricate, showing white peach, ripe pear, citrus zest, and soft tropical notes. Floral accents of honeysuckle and orange blossom glide alongside gentle stone fruit and subtle herbal tones, all framed by a Mediterranean sense of place.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a smooth, lightly rounded texture balanced by refreshing acidity. The palate feels polished and harmonious, finishing dry with lingering fruit and a delicate mineral imprint.

Food Pairings
Grilled fish, herb-roasted chicken, Mediterranean vegetable dishes, tahini-based plates, roasted cauliflower, and semi-soft cheeses. Equally enjoyable as an aperitif or with casual, everyday cuisine.

Verdict
A confident and well-composed Israeli white that highlights the Judean Hills’ ability to produce wines of elegance and personality. Versatile, aromatic, and food-friendly, with both freshness and substance. Cheers!

🍷 Personal Pick highlights
This wine strongly resonates with my preferred white-blend style, aromatic, textured, and balanced. It’s officially becoming my new go-to companion for relaxed meals and casual cuisine.

Did You Know?
Five Stones Vineyards has earned recent and compelling international accolades, including multiple Terravino Gold and Double Gold Medals, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of Israel’s standout boutique producers in both the kosher and global wine markets. — 10 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Armagedon 2017 – Hevron Heights Winery
Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A bold red blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Syrah, aged for 24 months in French oak. Produced by Hevron Heights Winery, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the Judean Hills — one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world, now regaining global recognition for producing structured, world-class wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep and concentrated, with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dried herbs, layered with espresso, cedar, and a touch of vanilla from the extended oak aging. The palate shows dark fruits, cassis, blackberry compote, and hints of spice and earthy tobacco.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, robust, and structured with firm tannins and notable concentration. The finish is long, lingering with both fruit and savory oak-driven notes. Still youthful but beginning to soften beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
Carefully selected fruit, traditional vinification, and extended oak maturation (24 months in French barriques) yield a wine that balances richness with complexity. Built for longevity.

Food Pairing
Pairs perfectly with roasted lamb, beef short ribs, or spiced Mediterranean dishes. Also a great match with aged cheeses.

Verdict
A powerful, age-worthy red from the Judean Hills, Armagedon 2017 showcases both the depth of the blend and the rising reputation of Israel’s terroir. A bottle that commands attention and rewards patience. Cheers! — a year ago

David Shaw

9.0

54/27/19 blend of petite sirah, petit verdot and teroldego. Dense purple red. Floral, blueberry and blackberry aromas, blackberry jam, and black pepper finish. Some seed tannins, decant. After two hours, skin tannins get grippy, yet varietal flavors remain well expressed; you can taste the petite Sirah and petit Verdot in there, though I really am not familiar with teroldelgo as a varietal. Worth drinking just to see the future of world wines as growers continue to shift to new varieties that grow and express well with global warming — 3 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Monte Xanic – Chardonnay 2020
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California – Mexico 🇲🇽

Overview:
100% Chardonnay from one of Mexico’s pioneering and most acclaimed wineries. The warm, sun-drenched vineyards of Valle de Guadalupe impart a distinctive richness while preserving freshness through careful vineyard management.

Aromas & Flavors:
Tropical and expressive, with baked mango, ripe pineapple, and a touch of papaya. Subtle floral hints and a light buttery note give added dimension.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-bodied with weight and intensity, balanced by a lively streak of acidity. The palate carries a fine texture and lingers with a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings:
Pairs beautifully with grilled sea bass, ceviche, roasted chicken with citrus glaze, or even creamy pasta with shrimp.

Verdict:
A Chardonnay that showcases Mexico’s unique terroir, warm, bold, and tropical, yet elegant in its balance. A strong reminder that Valle de Guadalupe is producing wines worthy of global attention. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Monte Xanic was one of the first boutique wineries in Mexico (founded in 1987) and is often credited with helping elevate the reputation of Mexican wines internationally. — 5 years ago

Joshua Figg

9.0

Typical light Chianti. Fruity, quite a bit of acidity. Not bad! — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This is surprisingly for sale through Delectable...buy a bottle. If you haven’t had a well made Napa Cabernet this old, it’s a fun & enjoyable experience. This is a library selection release and was it a steal for under $50. Its a very classic BV. Especially, for the time period. On the nose; notes of Cognac; which I get in older BV’s. Ripe & slightly baked fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, rhubarb, figs, dates, cherries, dry, loamy, brown, top soil, steeped tea, dry & decayed brown florals with violets. The body is leaner to medium. Tannins completely resolved. There are noticeable tannins but it’s the acidity holding this wine together so well. The palate is ripe with baked fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, plum, rhubarb, figs, dates, cherries, strawberries, and notes of light blue fruit. Some black licorice, cognac notes are very present on the palate. Loamy, brown, top soil, steeped tea, soft spice, clove, used leather, very soft chalky volcanic minerals, crushed dry rocks, dry & decayed dark florals with violets. The acidity is like rain. The well balanced finish is long and beautiful. Photos of their tasting room on Hwy 29, Rutherford vineyard just after harvest and tasting room on 29. Producer notes and history... Beaulieu Vineyard BV is a vineyard near Rutherford, California locates in the Rutherford AVA. It was established by Georges de Latour and his wife Fernande in 1900. BV was an initial a purchase of 4 acres of land in 1900. Beaulieu Vineyard derives its name from the French phrase "Quel beau lieu" which translates in English as "What a beautiful place!". Legend has it that Fernande uttered these words when she first saw the land. The following year, they purchased a nearby winery originally built by California Statje Senator Seneca Ewer in 1885. De Latour's knowledge about phylloxera; which had ravaged many Napa Valley vineyard and his decision to import a rootstock variety resistant to the pest helped secure his stature as one of the early pioneers of California's wine industry. When Prohibition in the United States began in 1920, most wineries in the country were forced to close. However, Beaulieu smartly obtained a contract to supply sacramental wine to churches nationwide. The demand for such wine increased dramatically during the years of Prohibition and the winery repeatedly expanded. By the Repeal of Prohibition in 1933, production had grown to over 1 million US gallons per year. When Prohibition ended, Beaulieu hired Andre Tchelistcheff from France as winemaker and the quality of its wines increased significantly. Tchelistcheff also became a mentor to other important winemakers such as; Mike Grgich at Chateau Montelena who’s Chardonnay won (The Judgment of Paris), Joe Heitz of Heitz Wine Cellars, and Robert Mondavi. By the 1940s, Beaulieu wines were served at all major White House functions. In the mid-1940s, Beaulieu was owned by Marquis de Pins, whose wife was a member of the French wine-making de Latour family. In the 1950s and 1960s Beaulieu was considered one of the "big four" Napa Valley producers, along with Inglenook, Charles Krug (I have mad love for their 50’s & 60’s wines. Perhaps, their greatest period) and Louis Martini. The winery was purchased by international conglomerate Heublein Inc. in 1969. Heublein was later acquired by RJR Nabisco, then sold to Grand Metropolitan in 1987. Grand Metropolitan became Diageo in 1997 through a merger with Guinness and is now the largest multinational beer, wine and spirits company in the world. In 2016 Diageo sold Beaulieu Vineyard to Treasury Wine Estates. Between Treasury, Jackson Family Vineyards and Constellation, they own a huge chunk of the wine producing world. Beaulieu Vineyards is one of the largest land owners in Napa Valley with more 1,100 acres in vines. Their best parcels are located in the Rutherford appellation. They have plantings of all the major Bordeaux varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. They also have vineyards with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. In addition, they maintain a vineyard that is used to experiment with a wide variety of different grape varieties including; Carignane, Petite Sirah and Valdiguies. Today, Winemaker Jeffrey Stambor continues the tradition of finely crafted wines handed down to him by legendary BV winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. — 9 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Greyrock Reserve – Sauvignon Blanc / 2024
Marlborough, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Overview
A classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc that bursts out of the glass with bold fruit and electrifying acidity. Greyrock Reserve shows why this region set the global benchmark for the style.

Aromas & Flavors
Intense notes of passionfruit, guava, and pineapple layered with lemon pith, lime zest, and a touch of fresh-cut grass.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with racy acidity, crisp structure, and a zesty, mouthwatering finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled asparagus, citrus-marinated shrimp, goat cheese salad, or sushi with wasabi kick.

Verdict
A tropical fruit bomb balanced by high acidity, a quintessential Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with unapologetic vibrancy.

Did You Know?
Marlborough’s Sauvignon Blanc boom started in the 1980s, with the region’s unique mix of cool nights, warm days, and gravelly soils creating wines with unmatched aromatics and zingy freshness. — a year ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Silk Road – Rosé Semi-Sparkling 2022
Kakheti – Georgia 🇬🇪

Overview
A semi-sparkling rosé from Georgia’s Silk Road winery, this 2022 bottling highlights freshness and fun, crafted in an approachable style. Likely made from indigenous red grapes such as Saperavi, it combines a fruit-forward profile with gentle bubbles. (Educational note: Semi-sparkling wines have lighter pressure than Champagne, making them softer and more casual to drink.)

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe strawberry, raspberry, and cherry upfront, with hints of pomegranate and rose petal. Subtle citrus zest and a faint herbal note add lift.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, with delicate effervescence that enhances the bright red fruit. Off-dry to just-round in style, with refreshing acidity and a clean, lively finish.

Food Pairings
Ideal as an aperitif, or with mezze platters, grilled shrimp, or light poultry dishes. Also pairs nicely with fresh fruit tarts or soft cheeses.

Verdict
A charming, easy-drinking rosé with bubbles — vibrant, refreshing, and festive. The 2022 vintage captures Georgia’s creative side, showing how semi-sparkling wines can bring a playful twist to tradition. 🍷✨

Did You Know?
Georgia is best known for still qvevri wines, but wineries like Silk Road are experimenting with sparkling and semi-sparkling styles to reach new global audiences.

Hidden Gem 💎
While sparkling rosé is common in Europe, finding a semi-sparkling Georgian rosé makes this bottle an unusual and delightful discovery. — a year ago

Delectable Wine

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9.6

The 1976 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate from Clos du Val is the most interesting of all the wines. The estate was founded by John and Henrietta Goelet in the early Seventies when the couple challenged recently graduated winemaker Bernard Portet to create a Bordeaux-inspired estate in Napa. Clos du Val attained global recognition when its inaugural 1972 Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the wines poured blind by Steven Spurrier at the epochal The Judgement of Paris, so this bottle of 1976 was one of their earliest bottlings that, incidentally, came directly from Clos de Val’s apparently meager reserves. It is very elegant and perfumed on the nose, typical old school, classic Napa Cabernet in all its unfettered glory, beautifully defined with wilted rose petals and a light fish scale element. Supple, very pliant tannins define the palate. There remains ample freshness and poise, a fine silver thread of acidity and a clove-tinged, rounded, exquisitely balanced finish that would surpass practically every other Bordeaux from this vintage. Outstanding. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 3 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.2

My white of the night, even though my guess for it as a blind missed the mark. Once more, the influence of sight led me astray, with the exposed Stelvin cap popping out of the blind sleeve leading me to identify it as an Australian Chardonnay. In my defense, the ripeness of the fruit does fit the guess. If anything, it just reaffirms my view that global warming (and the homogenisation of styles) has been making it harder and harder to discern new and old world wines as of late. That topic aside, this wine was just so digestible. Long with strong salinity, laser-like acidity, and luscious mouthfeel. There’s a mix ripe stone and zesty citrus fruits here, along with nutty, woody, and spicy nuances. The only element that irks me is a touch of muskiness which I attribute to some level of premox. Other than that, there’s richness, intensity, and precision here - all the hallmarks of a great wine. Delicious, and finished in no time at all. — 4 years ago

Randy Fillingim

8.9

This tiny winery produces only three wine a year red-white-rose CHELANWa. AVA — 5 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.6

My last Gratitude, so now I’m bitter🥴

In the spring of 2018, our Winemaker, Jordan Fiorentini, headed Down Under to work a harvest in Barossa Valley, Australia with one of Bill Armstrong’s good wine buddies, Michael Twelftree of Two Hands Wines. During Jordan’s visit, the two bonded over their love of Grenache, and thus, worked together to create a wine from some stunning 70-year-old Grenache vines in the area. The 50% whole cluster fermentation took place in Barossa, but the resulting wine made its way back to Paso Robles to do its barrel-aging and bottling in our winery. This collaboration between two countries is the perfect way to say thank you to doctors, nurses, & volunteers who serve on the front lines during this global pandemic.

$40 a bottle; all proceeds go to Doctors Without Borders — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Bodega Garzón – Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2016
Maldonado – Uruguay 🇺🇾

Overview:
From Uruguay’s coastal Maldonado region, Garzón has become a global ambassador for South American wines beyond Tannat. This single vineyard Pinot Noir reflects the cooling influence of the Atlantic breezes and the mineral-rich soils of the estate.

Aromas & Flavors:
Bright red cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry, laced with floral notes of violets and subtle hints of spice and earth.

Mouthfeel:
Silky and balanced, with moderate acidity and a rounded structure. Freshness from the coastal terroir keeps the wine lively while allowing the fruit to shine.

Food Pairings:
Perfect with roasted chicken, mushroom-based pasta, grilled salmon, or a charcuterie plate with soft cheeses.

Verdict:
A refined expression of Pinot Noir that shows Uruguay can deliver elegance and complexity beyond its flagship Tannat. Structured yet approachable, with admirable freshness.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
A standout Pinot Noir from South America’s rising star region, showcasing Garzón’s innovative spirit and Uruguay’s cool-climate potential. — a year ago

Rob DeShane

8.9

2021: A very rich Chianti that is compulsively drinkable. Rusticity moderated by modern wine making. A warmer global trend is making for more dense and early approachable wines…. — a year ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

All Grenache (no Shiraz). And delicious. Really finds the sweet spot between ponderous, massive global-warming CDP and those people trying to do light picnic Grenache that should be chilled like fruit punch. Nose has kirsch and raspberry ooze, along with dank minerality. Nice flavor intensity in the mouth, but with little flab. Rich fruit quickly turns savory. Nice length and the balance between acids and tannins is well-struck. Should have gotten more. — 3 years ago

Jalyn Warren

9.0

Red Blend but more like a Cabernet Sauvignon — 4 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.2

Thanks to global warming 👍🏼

K&L notes as follows

We finally got our hands on some of Wiston’s remarkable Blanc de Blancs. This 100% Chardonnay bottling is pressed in their traditional wooden Coquard basket press, fermented and rested in neutral French oak for a year, before aging more than two years on the lees in bottle. Reserve wines range back to 2008, with the 2018 harvest making up most of this iteration. Look for aromas of white flowers, baked apple, crushed quince, pie crust, stony minerals, chalk, saline, and oyster shell notes complete this magical wine. More volume and golden ripe fruit here versus the racier other NV wines. Beautiful stuff! Limited quantity.
Top Value! — 4 years ago

Galen Hasler

9.2

2018. Amazing balance of intense stone fruits, mild acidity and global palate flavors. Why do I think this is one of my best wines ever? Riesling magic in the hands of talent — 5 years ago

Brian Dugan

8.9

Nice wine for a rainy afternoon — 8 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

On the nose, liqueured dark cherries, cherries, poached strawberries, dark raisins, plums, dates, figs, baking spices, chocolate, dark rich soils, light spice and decayed dark florals. The mouthfeel is thick, rich and nicely resolved. Although it's nearly 20 years from inception, it's quite fresh and somewhere just the other side of it's peak. Dark cherries, plum, raisins, figs, dates, prunes, cherries, poached strawberries, somewhere between black raspberries & raspberries, dark & milk chocolate, light spice, rich, dark, moist soil, dry loamy top soil, violets, decayed, dark florals, light baking spices and caramel with nice round acidity. The finish is thick, rich 50-50 fruit and earth and lasts nearly a minute. This 98 is drinking nicely tonight with our Burrata, olive oil, Tondo balsamic, roasted garlic, garden cherries tomatoes and pesto sauce. Photos of; their beautiful villa estate, straw mats in warm rooms for drying the grapes to make this wine, Owner/Ambassador-Marilisa Allegrini, one of their vineyards and our charcuterie. Producer history & notes...Allegrini is one of the most acclaimed wineries in Veneto and a benchmark producer of Amarone. Their owner Marilisa Allegrini is a global ambassador for the region and internationally. Many in the industry considered her, "the voice of Amarone.” The Allegrini legacy spans six generations of wine growers. The Allegrinis have played a leading role in Valpolicella since the 16th century. Giovanni Allegrini is the patriarch of the modern estate. Today, his children, led by owner Marilisa, carry his legacy forward as one of the Veneto’s most acclaimed estates. Marilisa is the Ambassador for the estate while her brother, Franco, is internationally praised as one of Italy’s finest winemakers. They have 247 acres of vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico, the Allegrinis nurture a collection of remarkable sites. Each with its own personality, soils and focused microclimate. All seven vineyards range from the steep hillsides of La Grola to the plateau of La Poja and offer uniquely special expressions that make up their truly amazing wines. Allegrini has earned many accolades. In 2016, they were named Winery of the Year by Gambero Rosso, Italy’s definitive wine and food magazine. Parker called Allegrini the “reference point for fine Amarone.” Tonight this 98 was a nice example of those accolades.
— 9 years ago