Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Angeleno Wine Company – Gold Line White Blend (Skin Contact) 2023
Alonso Family Vineyards, Sierra Pelona Valley (Los Angeles County), California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A natural, skin-contact (orange-style) white wine showcasing the Los Angeles terroir’s unique character. This 2023 Gold Line comes from sustainably farmed vineyards at Alonso Family Vineyards in the Sierra Pelona Valley, reflecting Angeleno’s mission to revive LA’s forgotten winemaking heritage and spotlight rare Iberian varietals.

Grape Composition
A field blend of Treixadura, Godello, Loureiro, and Muscat (Moscato), all indigenous to Spain and Portugal—chosen for their aromatic intensity and textural complexity   .

Aromas & Flavors
Engaging notes of dried apricot, orange zest, chamomile, and honeyed florals, with a gentle spice and beeswax undertone. The skin contact also brings a savory nuttiness and subtle herbal complexity.

Mouthfeel
Textured and dry, with a pleasantly grippy tannic edge. Medium-bodied and marked by lively acidity, it finishes savory with a lingering citrus-peel lift.

Winemaking Notes
Native yeast fermentation and extended skin contact provide its orange color and layered complexity. The wine is organic, vegan, unfined/unfiltered, and crafted with minimal intervention—true to Angeleno’s natural winemaking ethos  .

Food Pairing
Ideal with rich game birds (duck, goose), charcuterie, saffron-laced dishes, or warm, spiced Mediterranean fare.

Verdict
A fascinating and refined expression of LA’s newfound wine identity—bold without bravado, expressive without excess. A standout that bridges history, place, and style.

Personal Pick Highlight
Only 300 bottles were made of the 2023 vintage—extremely limited and increasingly hard to find. Personal favorite for its authenticity and rarity. — 10 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

This is a very exotic “White Field Blend” of Galician varietals: 35% Godello, 35% Loureiro and 30% Treixadura sourced from the Sierra Pelona Valley (near Los Angeles), CA. It is another unique master piece from Jasper Dickson, a proprietor/winemaker of Angelino Wine Co. who is part of the rediscovering White Field Blends in the California while developing naturally made wines with minimal intervention.

All varietals were picked at 21 Brix and whole cluster pressed the grapes, and were co-fermented in stainless steel tanks. The result is a very rare, complex, dry and refreshing wine with an array of aromas of orange and acacia blossom.

On the palate is very crisp, with solid citrus characters and some stony fruit and yellow opal apple. As for mouthfeel, the wine has lots texture, sediments with a moderate-to-long finish. It can be an acquired taste as well.

Every vintage of the White Field Blend is completely different, the V.2021 the came out very aromatic, and some fresh wild grass and the wine as finished product is very hazy! It can be paired with seafood, apéritifs and lighter dishes. Clams steamed, Vietnamese summer rolls with prawns would a nice pairing option as well.

Also heartier as lightly-flavored cuisine can be another pairing alternative. Cheers! — a year ago

Martinez

9.0

4 Monos entry-level, village wine. Blend of Grenache (70%), Carignan (20%) and Syrah (10%) from different vineyards in Cadalso de los Vidrios, Cenicientos and San Martin de Valdeiglesias in the Sierra de Gredos mountain range, 85km west of Madrid. Aged in oak, concrete and steel vats. Pale cherry color. Bright, juicy, reminiscent of Pinot Noir with notes of red fruit (cherries, berries) and minerals. Lively, very easy to drink. — 4 years ago

Lo LM

9.3

Beautiful easy to drink, on the light temp side it fruity — 7 years ago

Mike Beltran

9.3

First rate Amador Zinfandel!! Well structured with layers of black fruits and a touch of oak. Medium body and very aromatic- not over ripe with a ABV of 14.3%. This producer makes some of the finest varietals also with their Los Portales label. Well priced and damn good. — 8 years ago

with Ray

Reinhard Wall

9.3

Extraordinario. Los vinos de jerez son un regalo de la naturaleza. Esperemos que esta nueva etapa enfocada en calidad siga después del Brexit — 10 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Angeleno Wine Company – Syrah 2020
Los Angeles County – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A bold, expressive Syrah from Angeleno’s ethos of cultivating unique Southern California terroir. This wine embodies their natural winemaking approach, minimal intervention, no additives, and full vegan transparency. The estate draws from diverse AVAs inclusive of Sierra Pelona and Clement Hills, plus historic LA County vineyards, anchoring this Syrah in place and intention.  

Aromas & Flavors
Driven by deep blackberry and huckleberry aromas that mingle with pepper, leather, and a hint of smoked meat. Expect a darker berry palette with savory earthiness and a whisper of spice that lingers. 

Mouthfeel
Rich and full-bodied, yet gracefully balanced. Its flavors envelop the palate and lead into a structured finish, showcasing both heft and finesse, a Rhône-inspired expression with California energy.  

Winemaking Notes
True to Angeleno’s values, this Syrah is vegan, minimal-intervention, and terroir-driven, reflecting LA’s wine heritage and the winery’s mission.  

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with grilled meat? think lamb, game, or smoked brisket, and heartier dishes like ratatouille, or slow-roasted pork shoulder with spice.

Verdict
A compelling example of California Syrah done right—bold and expressive yet balanced, layered with both fruit and structure, and deeply tied to its place of origin.

Personal Pick Highlight
A standout in Angeleno’s lineup, this Syrah is a personal favorite for its sense of LA place, natural spirit, and surprising complexity, and absolutely worthy of the next tasting flight. — 10 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Angelino Wine Company – “California Crackler” Albariño – NV
Los Angeles County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An extremely limited sparkling release (only 55 cases made) by Angelino Wine Company, crafted from 100% Albariño sourced from the Sierra Pelona Valley in Los Angeles County. Produced using the Méthode Champenoise, this small-batch wine represents one of California’s most creative takes on Albariño, vibrant, textural, and truly distinctive.

Aromas & Flavors
A lively bouquet of yellow opal apple, grilled pineapple, and citrus zest, accented by subtle brioche notes from lees aging. On the palate, bright acidity and fine bubbles reveal layers of tropical fruit, lemon cream, and a hint of salinity.

Mouthfeel
Brilliantly crisp and refreshing with smooth, creamy undertones. The mousse is fine and persistent, delivering a polished texture and a moderate, lingering finish that balances fruitiness and dryness with precision.

Food Pairings
Perfect with oysters, sushi rolls, grilled prawns, or goat cheese crostini. Its acidity and effervescence make it a versatile companion to coastal cuisine.

Verdict
A dazzling California sparkler that redefines Albariño in bubbly form, youthful, expressive, and refreshingly local. A vibrant fusion of innovation and tradition that leaves a lasting impression.

Did You Know?
Sierra Pelona Valley is one of the few high-elevation vineyard areas in Los Angeles County, benefiting from cool nights that preserve Albariño’s natural acidity while showcasing its tropical personality.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A rare find and an absolute joy to taste, lively, original, and perfectly balanced. This bottle amplifies your palate with every sip. If you spot it, don’t hesitate. Cheers! — a year ago

Martinez

9.0

Very good saignée rosé from vineyards at over 3,000 ft elevation in the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range in Ronda. The 2020 Rosé is a blend of Tempranillo (69%), Syrah (18%) and Merlot (13%), fermented in concrete vats, no oak aging. Clean, medium pink color. Expressive nose. Juicy strawberry aromas and flavors, some citrus and herbal notes. Fresh and juicy, great acidity. Good value — 5 years ago

spitts

9.3

Like a malbec — 7 years ago

Oliver Keane

10

Delightful. — 8 years ago

chris

9.2

Suprisely really good. — 9 years ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.1

Chih winegeeks valle de los encinos — 10 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.0

Chih winegeeks valle de los encinos — 10 months ago

Alvaro Bustillos

9.2

Chih winegeeks valle de los encinos — 10 months ago

Lucinda Guinn

9.2

100% Spanish Grenache from Domestique. Tannic and fruit. Dry. — 2 years ago

Mario Martínez Colino

9.0

Una curiosidad de 14€. Nota comercial Lavinia:

Recuero & Co, Mélangé Clairet, 2018 es un vino clarete mestizo sin sulfitos añadidos elaborado con uvas procedentes de viñedos históricos de Sierra de Gata (Villamiel, Cáceres) y de los antiguos territorios de Guzquía en Toledo con la variedad serrana ojo de liebre (30%), con la pinot noir de Toledo (60%) y otras.

La familia Recuero se dedica a la viticultura y a la elaboración de vinos desde 1873. Sus viñedos y bodega se encuentran en Villanueva de Alcardete, población situada en el centro de España, al Noreste de la provincia de Toledo. — 3 years ago

Mike Beltran

9.3

This was way better than when I bought it. The nose was expressive with blended dark berries and earthy background texture. Standalone this tasted as top level Amador Barbera. This winery makes a strong line of well priced varietals. Their Los Portales line offer many quality options. A winner.🍷🍷🍷 — 6 years ago

with Joe

Mike Beltran

9.1

What a full and rich Temperanillo this is!! Second label of Borjon wines. Rich mouth coating and gobs of dark red fruits with tannins that are polished and not severe. 14.8% but is not over ripe or hot. Stunning value from a quality producer....🍷🍷🍷 — 9 years ago

Marsh Leclsir-Marzolf

9.5

Really like this one we got on the Yosemite trip — 10 years ago