Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Spier – Signature Collection – Pinotage – 2024
Western Cape – South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
An entry-level Pinotage that leans into a more rustic and herbaceous expression of the grape. Designed for casual drinking, it highlights the approachable side of South Africa’s signature variety without aiming for depth or refinement.

Aromas & Flavors
Red and dark berries lead the profile, followed by earthy tones, dried herbs, and a subtle smoky edge. There’s a slightly raw, savory character that reflects a less polished style.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with moderate acidity and firm, slightly rough tannins. The structure feels a bit rugged around the edges, reinforcing its rustic personality.

Food Pairings
BBQ, grilled meats, sausages, burgers, or smoky dishes. Works best with food that can complement its earthy and savory profile.

Verdict
A straightforward and casual Pinotage that shows a more traditional, rustic side of the grape. Not the most refined expression, but a solid introduction to the variety’s earthier profile.

Did You Know?
Modern Pinotage styles vary widely: some producers embrace a cleaner, fruit-forward approach, while others lean into a more rustic, smoky, and herbaceous profile—like this one—reflecting traditional winemaking influences in South Africa.

🍷 Personal Pick
A good reference point for understanding the more rustic side of Pinotage, but I personally lean toward more structured and polished expressions of the variety. (see my other pinotage reviews) cheers! — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gambino Vini – Tifeo Etna Bianco 2023
Etna DOC, Sicily – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A striking white blend from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, crafted with 72% Carricante and 28% Catarratto, two of Sicily’s most important indigenous grapes. Etna Bianco wines are fast becoming symbols of Italy’s volcanic terroirs, delivering mineral-driven, authentic expressions far from mainstream white styles.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and layered, offering citrus zest, green apple, and pear, complemented by wild herbs and subtle floral tones. A hint of saline minerality underscores the volcanic origin, while a smoky whisper adds complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a lingering citrus-stone finish. Textured yet refreshing, it balances richness and precision beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
High-altitude vineyards on Etna’s northern slopes provide cool nights and intense sun exposure, yielding grapes with freshness and concentration.

Food Pairing
Perfect with seafood pasta, grilled swordfish, Sicilian caponata, or fresh cheeses. A versatile choice that can elevate both traditional Sicilian fare and modern pairings.

Verdict
A compelling introduction to Etna’s whites: mineral, distinctive, and deeply expressive. For wine lovers seeking to explore volcanic terroirs, this is a must-try.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why This Can Age
Carricante, Etna’s flagship white grape, has been cultivated for over 1,000 years. With naturally high acidity and strong minerality, it develops honeyed, nutty, and petrol-like complexity over time, much like Riesling. While delicious now, top Etna Bianco blends like this can age gracefully for 7–10 years, layering depth without losing freshness. Cheers! — 8 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! — 9 months ago

Daniel M

9.1

I cooked a boeuf bourguignon for a work colleague who is from Portugal so I found it relevant to pop a red burgundy delight to go along. This cuvée, which is a single vineyard, is dense, concentrated and shows a bit of oak barrel on the nose, along with minerally touches (silex, gun powder). There is bright fruit notes too, dark cherries, raspberries and even blackberries. This is quite intense. The palate is youthful and intense too, less round and sweet than other cuvées I had from this producer which I called modern Burgundy style of winemaking. This is more classic in style, with some acid drive, some dark cherries, some pepper, some spices. Oak tannins pop up in the rear before a rather long, structured finish with dark berries, that oaky, lightly drying layer. There is some vanilla too at the end. It's a really good burgundy fix, in a more traditional style. Certified organic. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Viña Alarde Gran Reserva 2013
Marqués de la Concordia – Rioja DOCa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A true heritage Rioja, celebrating the 136th family harvest from a winery founded in 1877. Made predominantly from Tempranillo, this Gran Reserva showcases the enduring elegance and patience of traditional Spanish winemaking, aged to perfection in both oak and bottle.

Aromas & Flavors
Classic notes of dried cherry, tobacco leaf, and vanilla bean mingle with earthy undertones of leather, cedar, and sweet spice. Hints of balsamic and roasted herbs add complexity with every swirl.

Mouthfeel
Gracefully aged — medium-bodied, with fine, integrated tannins and a long, silky finish that lingers with warmth and harmony.

Food Pairings
Ideal with roasted lamb, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto. It also sings alongside Spanish classics like chorizo al vino or paella mixta.

Verdict
A refined Rioja that honors the timeless tradition of Gran Reserva. Balanced, soulful, and mature, the 2013 vintage stands as a reminder of Rioja’s graceful longevity. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines in Rioja must age for at least five years, with two years minimum in oak and three in bottle before release, ensuring deep complexity and remarkable smoothness. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux – Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2022
Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Crafted from old vines (Vieilles Vignes) in the heart of Nuits-Saint-Georges, this 100% Pinot Noir captures the appellation’s signature structure and depth. Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux is a respected family estate that farms traditionally, bottling wines with both authenticity and age-worthy finesse. Unlike the silkier Chambolle-Musigny or the perfumed grace of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges is known for its firmer tannic backbone and savory, earthy character, making it one of Burgundy’s most robust expressions of Pinot Noir.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with dark cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry layered with subtle spice, forest floor, and a gentle mineral streak. Hints of violet and dried herbs lend additional elegance.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, silky yet firm, with polished tannins and bright acidity carrying through to a persistent, savory finish. Youthful now, but its layered fruit and backbone suggest strong aging potential.

Winemaking Notes
Old vines (many 40–60 years of age) deliver concentration and depth. Traditional Burgundian vinification with careful élevage in French oak barrels (a proportion new, though never overpowering).

Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted duck, mushroom-based dishes, lamb chops, or simply a classic coq au vin. Its balance of fruit and earthy complexity makes it versatile with Burgundian-style cuisine.

Verdict
A benchmark Nuits-Saint-Georges VV—structured yet refined, with depth of fruit, mineral poise, and a sense of place. One to enjoy now with decanting, or cellar for 8–12 years for even greater reward. — 9 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Saint-Joseph V.2018
Northern Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Made entirely from 100% Syrah, this wine hails from one of the most celebrated AOCs of the Northern Rhône. The 2018 vintage was a powerful, structured year, known for ripe fruit and depth, making it one of the standout recent harvests in the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Nose: blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and spices (notably black pepper, nutmeg) with floral hints of honeysuckle.
Palate: savory notes of smoked meats, olives, herbs, licorice, chocolate, and a touch of oak, layered beautifully with rich black fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, meaty, and concentrated with ripe tannins, round structure, and long finish. Balanced acidity ensures freshness while delivering intensity and elegance.

Winemaking & Style
Traditional Rhône winemaking highlights the terroir’s granite soils and classic Syrah character. The 2018 vintage is built for longevity, with the richness of fruit and structure to age gracefully for another decade.

Food Pairing
Ideal with duck confit, braised short ribs, lamb shank, venison stew, or wild mushroom risotto. Pairs just as well with aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.

Verdict
A textbook Saint-Joseph: bold yet elegant, savory yet fruity, with the hallmark spice and depth that defines Northern Rhône Syrah. Aging potential of 10+ years, but already showing incredible balance and drinkability now. — 10 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Umano – Mukuzani – Red Dry Wine – 2020
Mukuzani PDO – Kakheti – Georgia 🇬🇪

Overview
A traditional Georgian red made from 100% Saperavi, produced in the Mukuzani appellation, one of Georgia’s most respected PDOs for age-worthy dry reds. The 2020 vintage reflects classic Kakhetian winemaking, emphasizing structure, varietal purity, and balance rather than excess extraction. This wine showcases the serious, noble side of Saperavi through controlled fermentation and restrained oak influence.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe sour cherry, black plum, and dark raspberry lead, followed by notes of dried herbs, forest floor, and subtle spice. Secondary layers of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and gentle oak emerge with air, adding depth without overshadowing the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with firm yet polished tannins. The palate is structured and dry, supported by fresh acidity that keeps the wine lively and food-driven. The finish is savory and persistent, with dark fruit and spice lingering gracefully.

Food Pairings
Grilled meats, lamb kebabs, roasted pork, beef stews, mushroom-based dishes, and semi-aged cheeses.

Verdict
A classic and honest expression of Mukuzani, delivering Saperavi’s natural intensity with restraint and balance. This is a traditional Georgian red that speaks clearly of place, grape, and heritage, making it an excellent introduction to serious Georgian dry wines. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Mukuzani is one of Georgia’s most prestigious Protected Designations of Origin and is traditionally associated with oak-aged Saperavi wines that emphasize structure and aging potential rather than overt fruitiness.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
While not flamboyant, this is a quietly confident wine that rewards patience. A thoughtful, food-friendly Saperavi that highlights why Mukuzani remains a benchmark appellation in Georgia. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Casa Madero – V.3 Red Blend 2013
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo – Valle de Parras, Coahuila, Mexico 🇲🇽

Overview
Casa Madero holds a unique place in wine history as the oldest winery in the Americas, established in 1597. The V.3 is a flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Tempranillo, showcasing the depth and elegance of Valle de Parras, one of Mexico’s most historic and promising wine regions.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark berries, plum, and cassis layered with notes of cedar, tobacco, and subtle spice. With age, tertiary notes of dried fig, cocoa, and leather add complexity.

Mouthfeel
Rounded and balanced, the 2013 vintage has matured beautifully. Polished tannins integrate seamlessly with a silky texture, giving both structure and finesse. The finish is long, smooth, and deeply satisfying.

Winemaking Notes
Aged in oak, this wine reflects both modern technique and centuries of winemaking heritage. Casa Madero’s use of high-altitude vineyards allows vibrant acidity to balance richness, a hallmark of its style.

Food Pairing
Ideal with grilled ribeye, lamb shanks, or mole negro. For a more traditional match, pair with carne asada or aged Mexican cheeses.

Verdict
A remarkable red blend that not only delivers balance and longevity but also carries the weight of history. The 2013 still shows vitality, proving how Mexican fine wines can age gracefully.

Personal Pick Highlight
Tasting Casa Madero feels like stepping into history — each glass connects back to 1597, when New World winemaking was just beginning. An unforgettable blend of heritage and pleasure. Cheers! — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bisson “ü Pastine” Bianchetta Genovese 2023
Portofino DOC, Liguria, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A rare white wine made from 100% Bianchetta Genovese, an indigenous Ligurian grape, cultivated in steep coastal vineyards above Portofino. The “U Pastine” bottling highlights winemaker Pierluigi Lugano’s commitment to reviving traditional Ligurian varieties. Fresh, saline, and deeply tied to its maritime terroir.

Aromas & Flavors
Fragrant notes of citrus zest, green apple, white peach, and Mediterranean herbs. Subtle accents of sea spray and crushed rocks give the wine its unmistakable Ligurian identity.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, crisp, and energetic with zippy acidity. The finish is marked by a refreshing saline minerality and a delicate citrus lift.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested grapes from terraced vineyards overlooking the sea. Vinified in stainless steel to preserve freshness and purity of fruit. Bisson is also known for the famous Abissi Metodo Classico — a sparkling wine aged in the sea off Portofino — though U Pastine is a still white wine, equally unique in its coastal character.

Food Pairing
Perfect with Ligurian seafood classics — anchovies, branzino, or seafood pasta with pesto. Also excellent with raw oysters, fresh mozzarella, and light salads.

Verdict
A vibrant, terroir-driven Ligurian gem that captures the essence of sea, sun, and stone. Refreshing, honest, and endlessly food-friendly — a must-try for lovers of coastal Italian wines. — 9 months ago