Freddy R. Troya

9.4

SATRICO 2024, Bianco IGP. Lazio, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A precision blend of Chardonnay 34% · Sauvignon Blanc 33% · Trebbiano 33% from Casale del Giglio combining Chardonnay’s structure, Sauvignon Blanc’s aromatic lift, and Trebbiano’s freshness. Bottled at 13.5% ABV, this wine bridges modern technique with ancestral regional identity.

Aromas & Flavors
Layered and multidimensional. Citrus zest, white peach, subtle tropical hints, and delicate herbal notes weave together seamlessly. Aromatically complex without being aggressive, everything in tension and harmony.

Mouthfeel
Structured yet energetic. Chardonnay provides body, Sauvignon brings edge and lift, and Trebbiano adds linear freshness. The result is a dynamic, evolving palate that feels architectural and intellectually engaging.

Food Pairings
Branzino, herb-crusted chicken, pasta alle vongole, roasted vegetables, or aged pecorino.

Verdict
A cerebral white blend that moves faster than language. Dimensional, balanced, and deeply expressive of Lazio’s evolving white identity. This is serious white wine.

🍷 Personal Pick
Strategic allocation territory. This isn’t just a blend, it’s a statement. One for near-term reflection. One for future “I knew this was special” validation. — 3 months ago

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Rocca di Montegrossi Geremia Toscana 2015. 70% Merlot/30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Organic & unfiltered. A bold, big-fruit statement-making wine with a long finish however time will help soften/tame this powerful beauty. Enjoy! Cheers🍷 — 5 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.1

I think I bought about a half dozen of these with the intent they would all last until at least 10 years post vintage. Man was I wrong! This is a really good value Merlot. It is not the best merlot are you will ever experience, but it has A soft front, brambley middle, good acidity, and goes with a variety of foods. Still finishes with a little bit of astringency so I think this one will probably continue evolving over the next five to seven years. Asking for donations to be able to verify that statement ;) — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Macchia – Delicious Barbera 2023
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Barbera may be native to Italy, but in Lodi it thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing generous, fruit-driven wines. Macchia has built a reputation for crafting some of the most expressive New World Barberas, with a track record of winning international medals (including Gold at the International Barbera Competition in Italy for earlier vintages). This 2023 vintage keeps that pedigree alive with a vibrant, approachable style.

Aromas & Flavors
Explodes with blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with chocolate, spice, and hints of licorice. There’s an intensity of fruit without losing freshness, showing why Barbera adapts so beautifully outside its homeland.

Mouthfeel
Juicy, full of energy, with supple tannins and balancing acidity. Medium-plus body with a long, fruit-forward finish dusted with cocoa and spice.

Food Pairing
Pairs effortlessly with rich tomato pasta, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty sausage pizza. Also excellent with strong cheeses that complement its ripe fruit core.

The Verdict
Macchia delivers again with a Barbera that’s as delicious as its name. The 2023 vintage stands out as a casual yet compelling New World take on an Old World classic—backed by a winery whose style already carries international pedigree.

✨ Personal highlight: This wine style has pedigree from past events, but the 2023 is very much its own statement. It’s “delicious” in every sense and shows how consistent Macchia has been across vintages. Cheers! — 8 months ago

Jared Mayron

9.6

Light limestone minerality — 5 years ago

with Lisa and Charles

Delectable Wine

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9.2

The 2018 Pinot Noir (Santa Barbara County) is gorgeous. A rush of sweet floral and red berry notes makes a strong opening statement. Rose petal, red berry, blood orange and mint are all laced together in a Pinot of exquisite harmony and total finesse. I would give it another year or two in bottle to fully come together. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, August 2020)
— 6 years ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2015 pours a ruby color with a transparent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. In typical Francois Bertheau fashion, this was initially quite shy on the nose but with about 30min of air in the glass, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart red fruits: strawberry, cranberry, red flowers, chanterelles, forest floor and a gentle mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. Never one to shout above a crowd to announce its presence, instead, the wines of Pierre e Francois Bertheau allow their quiet confidence to make the statement; an increasingly rare characteristic. An elegant, ethereal beauty. Drink now with some patience and time for deliberation and enjoyment, through 2035. — a year ago

Fabio Franchella

9.1

I confirm Randy Fuller‘s statement. A fresh and lovely sparkling white as it‘s best! — 3 years ago

with Kathrin

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9.4

The 2016 Clos de Vougeot is an exquisite wine. A burst of sweet red berry and floral notes make a strong opening statement. Delicate and lithe on the palate, the 2016 is such a sensual Burgundy. Clean mineral notes lend vibrancy throughout. I would prefer to cellar the 2016 for at least a few years to let the bright acids mellow a touch, but opening a bottle now is far from a crime. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2020) — 6 years ago

Jim Wagonfeld

9.2

Luis Seabra makes statement wines. This Albariño is med yellow in color with a nose of apple, pear almond and citrus. The creamy palate adds pineapple and peach. The wine is focused and a model of precision that offers a protracted finish. Not your quaffing vinho verde. His Xisto Cru blanco is even better. — 6 years ago

with Judy