Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Fait-Main – Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2023
St. Helena – Napa Valley – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the iconic Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard in St. Helena. Crafted by Benoît Touquette (Fait-Main), this 2023 vintage is a powerful yet precise expression of Napa Valley Cabernet, emphasizing vineyard character, concentration, and structural integrity. Las Piedras’ rocky soils and warm site deliver intensity, while Touquette’s restrained hand preserves balance and clarity.

Aromas & Flavors
Dense and focused aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and ripe plum lead the nose. The palate follows with layers of dark cherry, cassis, graphite, crushed stone, and subtle espresso. Secondary notes of cocoa, cedar, and sweet spice emerge with air, adding depth without overshadowing the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and commanding, with firm, muscular tannins that give the wine its signature “bite.” The texture is polished but unapologetically powerful, carrying weight and concentration through a long, structured finish. This is a Cabernet built for longevity rather than immediacy.

Food Pairings
Grilled or dry-aged beef, lamb chops, braised short ribs, or mushroom-driven dishes. Also excellent with hearty, umami-rich preparations that can stand up to the wine’s structure.

Verdict
A serious, no-compromise Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Concentrated, structured, and expressive of both site and winemaker. This is not a casual pour, it’s a wine that demands attention and rewards patience.

Did You Know?
Beckstoffer Las Piedras Vineyard is known for its rocky, iron-rich soils, which naturally limit vigor and contribute to the wine’s intense structure, minerality, and age-worthy tannins.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This wine has punch and precision. Dark, deep, and unapologetically bold, with a real bite that reminds you that you’re drinking something special. A standout Cabernet that shows why Las Piedras and Touquette are such a formidable combination. — 2 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon (young vines), 57% Merlot (older vines) and 3% Cabernet Franc, aged in 40% new French oak, deep Ruby red color, with aromas of ripe dark fruits, spice and herbs. On the palate flavors of blackberry, plum and cinnamon spice. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, spice and earthy mineral character. — a month ago

Norman

9.0

Nice. Bit sharp at first so give it some air. Opened up nice. First time trying this but finding myself a Myriad red fan if one can get it at a reasonable price — 4 months ago

Tom Garland

9.3

2 hour decant. A marvelous medium garnet color (decent fine sediment). On the nose: dark berries, cassis, forest floor, sandalwood, pencil shavings, chocolate, and cigar box. Taste: layered, balanced, still young wine with dark cherry/plum, cedar, dark chocolate, charcoal, and a lingering tobacco/leather finish. YUM! No hurry, a long distance Las Cases. — 13 days ago

with Brenda

Joe Flo

9.5

Much better than I expected for a 2011  — 13 days ago

Shelby

9.0

Easy to drink. — 10 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

Blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc, deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, smoke and flinty notes, aged 40% new French oak. On the palate flavors of blackberry and black cherry with cacao, cedar, espresso and spicy notes. Lively acidity, firm dusty tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, tobacco and spicy oak. Needs a little more time in bottle. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

San Gregorio – Las 75 Vendimias – Red 2021
Calatayud DO – Aragón, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A tribute wine honoring Emilio González’s 75 harvests, sourced from old, high-altitude vineyards in Calatayud. This Garnacha-driven blend (70% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo) captures the rugged character of the region, elevation, stony soils, and traditional viticulture, resulting in a wine that is both expressive and grounded, with warmth, balance, and authenticity.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe black cherry, wild strawberry, and plum lead, followed by dried Mediterranean herbs, licorice, and gentle baking spice. Subtle earthy and mineral notes emerge with air, reflecting the old-vine origin and high-altitude terroir.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with rounded, supple tannins. Garnacha brings generosity and warmth, while Tempranillo adds structure and grip. Fresh acidity keeps the wine lively and balanced through a smooth, savory finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb, herb-roasted chicken, mushroom dishes, lentil stews, aged Manchego, or rustic Spanish fare with olive oil, roasted peppers, and slow-cooked meats.

Verdict
A soulful, well-priced Spanish red that delivers true sense of place. Honest, expressive, and comforting, this is old-vine Garnacha done right, approachable now, yet structured enough to hold its own at the table.

Did You Know?
Calatayud is one of Spain’s highest-altitude DOs, with many vineyards planted between 700–1,000 meters, helping Garnacha retain freshness and balance even in warm vintages.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is real Spain in a glass, old vines, elevation, history, and soul. A wine I happily recommend when authenticity matters more than flash. — 7 hours ago

Tarrah Beyer

9.7

Got the 2022 from total wine - it was amazing — 9 days ago

Raul Puga

9.4

Huge wine but well balanced and really delicious — 2 months ago