Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Villa Sparina Gavi Cortese 2024
Gavi DOCG – Piemonte, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from 100% Cortese, the 2024 vintage feels even more uplifting and rounded compared to the already solid 2023 release. Villa Sparina continues to showcase why Gavi remains one of Northern Italy’s most dependable white wine styles, balancing freshness, elegance, and effortless drinkability. This vintage particularly shines with its harmony and polished personality.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright citrus, crisp green apple, white peach, and subtle pear notes lead the way, followed by delicate floral tones and a touch of almond on the finish. The fruit profile feels more expressive and integrated in 2024, giving the wine extra charm without losing its mineral-driven identity.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and a beautifully rounded texture. Clean, vibrant, and very balanced from start to finish, offering both tension and softness in a way that makes the wine incredibly easy to revisit glass after glass.

Food Pairings
Excellent with seafood pasta, grilled shrimp, lemon herb chicken, oysters, risotto, or fresh cheeses. Also fantastic as a pure aperitif wine.

Verdict
The 2024 vintage feels more complete and harmonious than the previous release, showing extra polish while keeping the classic crisp personality of Gavi intact. Refreshing, elegant, and dangerously easy to enjoy.

Did You Know?
Gavi DOCG is produced exclusively from Cortese grapes in southeastern Piemonte, near the Ligurian border, which partially explains its coastal-like freshness and saline edge despite being an inland appellation.

🍷 Personal Pick
This has officially become my “wine king opener” and one of my new Northern Italy staples. The 2024 vintage simply feels more alive, rounded, and balanced, a bottle that surprises everyone and every time I have pour for friends that have never taste it. Cheers! — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Cantemerle 2023 – Haut-Médoc, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A beautifully expressive Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 7%, and Cabernet Franc 4% that delivers immediate charm while retaining classic Haut-Médoc structure and aging potential. The wine shows vibrant fruit purity, polished tannins, and a well-judged touch of oak, making it approachable young yet capable of evolving gracefully over the coming decade.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and plum layered with subtle cedar, vanilla spice, graphite, and a gentle floral lift. Fresh berry brightness carries through the palate, framed by light savory notes and a refined oak accent that enhances rather than dominates.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple texture and finely integrated tannins. Juicy, energetic entry with excellent balance between fruit concentration and freshness. Smooth mid-palate flow and a clean, persistent finish that stays lively and inviting.

Food Pairings
Grilled steak, roast chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, aged Gruyère or Comté, and classic bistro fare. A versatile table wine that shines across a wide range of savory dishes.

🍷 Personal Pick
Cantemerle never disappoints, this is pure drinking pleasure wrapped in Bordeaux elegance. Juicy, polished, and instantly enjoyable, yet grounded with just enough structure to remind you why Haut-Médoc remains timeless. A perfect bottle when you want serious pedigree without serious effort.

Did You Know?
Château Cantemerle is classified as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification and is known for producing some of the most consistently approachable and age-worthy wines of the Médoc, often offering outstanding value relative to its pedigree. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Caymus Vineyards Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Napa Valley AVA, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
The Special Selection represents the pinnacle of Caymus’ winemaking—crafted only in outstanding vintages and known for its luxurious, fruit-driven Napa style. The 2019 vintage shows Caymus’ signature opulence but with slightly more balance and finesse compared to earlier years.

Aromas & Flavors
Explosive nose of ripe blackberries, cassis, dark cherries, and baked blueberries, layered with espresso, cocoa beans, black pepper, and sweet vanilla spice. Secondary notes of cedar and tobacco add complexity.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and lush, with plush tannins and a velvety texture. The palate is generous in ripe fruit, layered with spice, chocolate, and savory undertones. The long, lingering finish highlights the richness while keeping an elegant balance.

Winemaking Notes
Carefully sourced from select Napa Valley vineyards, the 2019 was aged in new French oak barrels to emphasize depth and structure. Caymus’ hallmark extended hang time ensures fully ripe fruit and bold concentration.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, rack of lamb, or mushroom risotto. Aged hard cheeses (like Parmigiano-Reggiano) also make a great match.

Verdict
A rich, polished Napa Cabernet with undeniable charm. The 2019 Special Selection is approachable now but has the structure to age another 10+ years. A quintessential bottle for lovers of Caymus’ plush, fruit-forward style. — a year ago

Rodney Miller

9.0

Peaches and lemon with good acidity. Paired well with seafood risotto improving during the meal. — 4 years ago

Vanessa

9.0

Brunello di Montalcino (Sangiovese) and wild mushroom risotto. An earthy, savory, yummy pair. A delicious and comforting conclusion to a long week.
#ｔｇｉｆ

Renieri, Brunello di Montalcino, 2015, ABV 14.5%. — 5 years ago

with Deked1

Gelert Hart

9.2

For a white, 9.2. Similar to txakoli with salt ocean finish. seafood, sushi, we have with sausage risotto and it ads lemony zing zang — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Casalino – Brunello di Montalcino 2020
Brunello di Montalcino DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Sangiovese (Brunello clone) from Montalcino, crafted in a more approachable, mid-range style. This vintage emphasizes balance and harmony, showcasing the elegance of Brunello without excessive austerity.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, plum, and dried cranberry lead the profile, layered with hints of leather, tobacco, and subtle spice. A touch of earthiness adds depth and classic Brunello character.

Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-plus body with soft, well-integrated tannins and a refined structure. The balance between acidity and texture is seamless, leading to a long, smooth, and satisfying finish.

Food Pairings
Ideal with braised meats, wild game, mushroom risotto, or aged cheeses. Also shines with classic Tuscan dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced Brunello that leans into elegance and drinkability. Not overly aggressive—just harmonious, structured, and genuinely enjoyable. A great entry point or casual luxury Brunello.

Did You Know?
Brunello di Montalcino must be aged a minimum of 5 years before release (including at least 2 years in oak), which is why even approachable styles carry inherent depth and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick
A “weekday Brunello” (yes, that’s a thing 😄) refined enough to impress, relaxed enough to enjoy without ceremony. — 2 months ago

Joel Lara

9.7

Such a beautifully complex, tasty barolo. Has a spectacular nose with tar, leather, burnt maple, and dark cherry. Complex aromas that seem to evolve constantly in the glass. On the palate some initial charcuterie notes quickly burn off, leaving a pure and intense dark cherry that saturates the palate with some earthy cocoa, anise, and balsamic. Mouthfeel is silky smooth. Long finish with cloves, anise, dark cherry, and dry-aged meat. So tasty. This went perfectly with parmesan crusted rack of lamb, spring herb and parmesan risotto, and roasted asparagus. Medium/full bodied with medium- acidity and fully integrated tannins. An intense garnet color with orange bricking on the rim. I’d think this is near its peak. Decanted for an hour, although I don’t think it gained much compared to an initial PnP. Day 2 update: Finished a glass that was remaining in bottle. Holding up well with little change. Still as tasty as Day 1. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Garraud – Lalande de Pomerol / 2018
AOC Lalande de Pomerol – Right Bank, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
From the Esnée family estate, this red Bordeaux blend is composed of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. The Garraud vineyards lie just north of Pomerol proper, where gravelly and clay soils echo the region’s reputation for plush yet structured wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Lush black cherry, plum compote, and cassis wrapped in notes of violet, cocoa, and cedar. Subtle graphite and earthy tobacco hints reflect the Cabernet Franc influence.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet polished, with supple tannins and a round mid-palate. Concentrated fruit depth balances with freshness, finishing long and silky with lingering spice.

Food Pairings
Duck breast with cherry glaze, roast lamb, or beef bourguignon. Mushroom risotto, charcuterie, or truffle pasta. Comté, aged Gouda, or Saint-Nectaire.

Verdict
A classic Right Bank profile: generous Merlot fruit framed by Cabernet Franc finesse. Traditional, powerful, and approachable, drinking beautifully now but with the structure to evolve gracefully for another 8–10 years.

Did You Know?
Lalande de Pomerol, though often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Pomerol, offers exceptional value. Many estates here share the same terroir characteristics, producing wines of impressive depth at a fraction of Pomerol’s price tag.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: This bottle delivers Right Bank soul without the Pomerol price, rich yet refined, and an excellent “insider’s pick” for Bordeaux lovers. Cheers! — 8 months ago

Robert Dufort

9.6

Purchased12+ years ago, drank it last week with family and friends. Steak and risotto dinner. Initial tasting at bottle opening gave me concerns, was
afraid it had peaked long before, whiff of vinegar, no fruit. Decanted, tasted again after 30 minutes, had begun to open up. Started drinking after another 30 minutes and wow, what a difference! Have never experienced that great a change in a wine. So superb. The sommelier just smiled. Fruit rose up, very fine tannins,so smooth, loved it. Wish I had another bottle. Drink now. — 3 years ago

Yoly Sardinas

9.0

Great wine! Paired well with my Short-rib and risotto — 5 years ago

Ellen Clifford

8.9

Ripe af but somehow refreshing to balance the fruit. Fun. Goes with risotto (explanation in next week’s article) — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Donnachiara – “Resilienza” – Beneventano Falanghina – 2023, Beneventano IGT – Campania – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A vibrant Falanghina-based blend from Campania that showcases the grape’s natural brightness and aromatic lift, complemented by small amounts of indigenous white varieties for added dimension. The “Resilienza” line focuses on purity and freshness, with no malolactic fermentation to preserve acidity and precision. Compared to the 2022 vintage, the 2023 shows noticeably brighter acidity and a more refreshing overall profile.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and aromatic, with tropical fruit, citrus zest, and stone fruit at the core. Subtle floral notes enhance freshness, while ripe pear and a touch of melon add softness and charm.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with crisp, lively acidity and a refined, clean texture. The absence of MLF keeps the wine energetic and focused, leading to a fresh, mouthwatering finish with slightly elevated brightness in this vintage.

Food Pairings
Seafood risotto, grilled octopus, lemon-based pasta dishes, fresh cheeses, and Mediterranean appetizers.

Verdict
A beautifully executed Falanghina blend that leans into freshness and drinkability while maintaining complexity. The 2023 vintage stands out for its enhanced vibrancy and refreshing character, elegant, expressive, and incredibly enjoyable.

Did You Know?
“Resilienza” reflects the enduring nature of Falanghina, an ancient Campanian grape that survived phylloxera and continues to thrive in southern Italy’s volcanic-influenced soils.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of my top Falanghina picks in the $25–$30 range, reliable, vibrant, and a consistent crowd-pleaser that always delivers. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Pergolaia 2019, Red Blend – Toscana IGT, Alta Maremma, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Composed of 76% Sangiovese, 14% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this biodynamically farmed blend highlights Sangiovese-driven freshness balanced by Bordeaux varietal structure. Vinified gently in a gravity-fed cellar to preserve finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, raspberry, dried herbs, subtle cedar, graphite, light earth.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, polished tannins, and a clean, linear finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops, bistecca Fiorentina, mushroom risotto, aged Pecorino.

Verdict
Transparent and precise. A bright, terroir-forward expression within the Caiarossa hierarchy.

🍷 Did You Know?
Pergolaia is aged approximately 12 months in wood, reinforcing structure while maintaining freshness. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A benchmark Pinot Noir from one of California’s most iconic producers. Only 656 cases crafted, this 2023 vintage beautifully captures the Russian River Valley’s signature elegance and vibrancy. It’s a wine that balances precision and grace, proof that fine, age-worthy Pinot is alive and thriving in Sonoma.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherries, wild raspberries, and pomegranate glide alongside hints of rose petal, orange zest, and forest floor. Subtle spice and oak tones weave seamlessly into the fruit, creating layers of depth and charm.

Mouthfeel
Silky, balanced, and pure. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and ultra-fine tannins that give it both structure and lift. The wine literally dances on the palate, finishing long and elegant with a whisper of red fruit and spice.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside duck confit, herb-crusted salmon, mushroom risotto, or roasted poultry with truffle butter.

Verdict
A polished and expressive Pinot Noir that speaks of place and precision. Williams Selyem continues to set the gold standard for Russian River Valley finesse, delivering both immediacy and cellar potential.

Did You Know?
Williams Selyem was among the pioneers of single-vineyard Pinot Noir in California. Their minimalist approach, native yeasts, gentle extraction, and minimal filtration, has influenced generations of winemakers aiming for purity of terroir. — 8 months ago

Thomas Vito

8.9

Dark fruit and cherries on the nose. Best served with a nice steak and truffle risotto. Earth tones of the meal reveal more fruits combined with a dry leather finishing lighter than you thought it should be. — 3 years ago

William Lee, Jr.

9.1

Paired w/stuffed mushroom, sausage & swiss creamy parmesan risotto — 5 years ago

Sam Friedland

9.2

Crowd pleaser, soft tannins a hint of fruit. Went very well with risotto and burgundy truffles. — 6 years ago

John Ruvolo

9.2

Fantastic with our duck risotto. Dark fruit. Raisin finish. — 6 years ago

with Lauren