Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Toccata – Riserva Red Blend – 2020
Santa Barbara County – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
A Super-Tuscan–inspired red blend from Santa Barbara County, built on a Cabernet Sauvignon–led composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Freisa, and Petit Verdot. Italian varieties thrive in the cooler Los Alamos Valley sites, while French varieties contribute structure from warmer hillside vineyards, creating a rounded, balanced wine that reflects both Old World inspiration and regional California expression.

Aromas & Flavors:
Ripe red and black cherry, plum, dried herbs, subtle baking spice, and a touch of earthy nuance. Sangiovese and Freisa add savory lift while Cabernet anchors the fruit core.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-plus body with supple, polished tannins and integrated acidity. Smooth and approachable, yet structured enough to hold its shape at the table.

Food Pairings:
Grilled meats, herb-roasted chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and semi-aged Italian cheeses.

Verdict:
A thoughtfully composed, approachable Super-Tuscan–style blend that balances complexity with drinkability. Versatile, food-friendly, and expressive of Santa Barbara County’s diverse terroirs.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
I enjoy this wine for its balance and versatility, it delivers Italian-inspired nuance without heaviness, making it an easy yet thoughtful choice for casual dinners or relaxed evenings when I want complexity without intensity. — 5 days ago

S.S. Mandani

9.3

Malo, butter, minerality, orchard fruit.

Really pretty Burgundian style chard.

Just ripe green fruit. Crisp. Tantalizing. Mineral.

Long finish on the fruit. Would be nice to lay down. — 5 months ago

Kamall

8.9

Might need a little time to wake up — 6 months ago

Richard Siddall-Jones

9.0

Easy drinking. Dark berries, little oak, smooth tannins — a month ago

Sharona

9.1

Sept 19, 2025, Palomino Supper Club @ A Different Point of View — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata – Dolcetto Fresco / 2023
Santa Barbara County AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Inspired by Italy’s playful Vino Novello tradition, this is a spirited, fruit-forward expression of Dolcetto made in Santa Barbara County. Produced from 100% estate-grown fruit sourced from the Lucas & Lewellen family’s Los Alamos Valley vineyards, this wine also marks an important milestone for the winery as their first bottling crafted using carbonic maceration. The result is a lively, aromatic, and freshness-driven red that feels immediate and vibrant.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries lead the profile, supported by delicate clove spice and aromatic herbal tones. Juicy fruit character remains at the forefront, balanced by subtle savory nuances that add dimension without weighing the wine down.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and energetic with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. The texture is supple and easygoing, finishing crisp, clean, and irresistibly moreish.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie boards, margherita pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or simple pasta dishes with herbs and olive oil.

Verdict
A joyful, modern take on Dolcetto that prioritizes freshness, drinkability, and charm. Light, expressive, and versatile, this is a red wine built for casual enjoyment while still offering varietal character and balance.

Did You Know?
Carbonic maceration, famously used in Beaujolais, emphasizes primary fruit aromas and freshness while softening tannins—making wines like this ideal for chilling slightly and drinking young. — 4 months ago

Kamall

9.1

It was just sitting there, telling me to drink another bottle. Delicious! — 2 years ago

romo

9.1

Kind of correct, surprisingly. Super-drinkable at maturity. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.

Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 4 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

9.4

One of the best american Rieslings out there. The Riesling was planted in 2007. Kick On Ranch is just a few miles West of Los Alamos (CA) , getting close to the ocean and Vandenberg Air Force Base. 120 cases. 13.5%. Plenty of acidity, 🍯 , botyris? , fresh cut garden hose. Quite herbal. Oregano. Tatomer’s top of the line offer. He learned the trade in Austria 🇦🇹, Wachau region. This 2019 is very very good. Not Mosel just different - and perhaps quintessential Californian. — 7 months ago