Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Alpine Roots Humagne Rouge 2023 — AOC Valais, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Overview
100% Humagne Rouge, an indigenous Swiss variety from the Valais region. Grown in alpine conditions with strong diurnal shifts that preserve freshness and structure. A terroir-driven red that showcases mountain precision and regional identity.

Aromas & Flavors
Red currant, wild cherry, dried cranberry, subtle black pepper, alpine herbs, light earth, and a faint smoky mineral tone. Fruit is bright but never heavy.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium body with soft edges and polished tannins. Fresh acidity keeps it lifted and energetic. Smooth, approachable, yet quietly complex. A clean, savory finish that lingers with elegance.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie, mushroom dishes, roasted poultry, alpine cheeses, herb-roasted pork, or lentil-based dishes.

Verdict
A showstopper in disguise. Unexpected, terroir-driven, and refreshingly different. Hard to compare directly to mainstream grapes, and that’s precisely its charm.

Did You Know?
Humagne Rouge is native to Switzerland’s Valais region and thrives in steep alpine vineyards, where altitude and sunlight intensity contribute to vibrant acidity and aromatic precision.

🍷 Personal Pick
A curveball that overdelivers. Approachable yet distinctive, the kind of wine that makes people say, “Wait… Switzerland?” and then reach for another glass. — 18 days ago

Jeff Thompson

8.9

2022 with Debbie on May 6,2024 — 2 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.3

‘Las Alturas' Spanish for 'the heights', a fitting name, this vineyard located on one of the highest grape-growing benches in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. 4th gen Winemaker Joseph J. Wagner from family with farming & winemaking roots in Napa since 1906. Met Joe several times. Deep Ruby (darkest Pinot I have come across). Nice berry and floral spice aromas. Rich cherry/plum flavors with oak, spice and vanilla. Long finish, bold ending with sweet oak notes. Very Nice! A Fav! — 2 years ago

Sally Neal

8.9

Bright Pinot — 4 months ago

Vanessa

9.5

Château Latour is an iconic estate in the Pauillac commune on the left bank of Bordeaux, achieving coveted ‘First Growth’ status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.

The estate has roots dating back to the 14th century and derives its name ‘La Tour’ from a fortress tower built during the Hundred Years’ War, which no longer exists but is prominently featured on the label in recognition of its history.

We weren’t sure what to expect, as many have predicted these 1983s are likely past their prime, but this wine was a masterpiece. 🤩

It was medium garnet in color with expressive notes of cedar box, cigar, clove, peat, leather, forest floor, fig, prune, dried black cherry, plum, cassis, blackberry compote, cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, dried violet, potpourri, kalamata olive, pencil shavings, graphite, & bacon fat.

It had the most velvety, fine-grained tannins that washed across the palate with ease, with a gentle but notable acidity that maintained lift and balance. It was concentrated, complex, and had a long, elegant finish. — 10 months ago

with Deked1

Katie Forman

9.1

Dry with a little pepper and fruit! Pretty good! — 4 years ago

Jessica Irving

9.2

Smooth taste and easy flow. — 4 months ago

Amy Hill

8.9

Very nice Cabernet with a rich dark color. Black cherry with notes of tobacco and cassis. Nice tannin structure. Great sipping wine! — 2 years ago

Ted

8.9

Last wine of the trip. Earth and ripe fruit. — 2 years ago

with Jeni

Carl Camp

9.0

Very dark. Needs to breathe, then very good. — 2 years ago