Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata Freisa 2023
Santa Barbara County AVA, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Freisa, a rare Italian varietal originally from Piedmont, brought to California and cultivated by the Lucas & Lewellen family. It’s almost never seen outside Italy, making this a remarkable example of how Santa Barbara’s versatile terroir can give voice to forgotten grapes.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red fruits dominate—think wild cherry, raspberry compote, and pomegranate—with lifted floral tones of rose petal. Hints of pepper, earthy spice, and subtle herbs add dimension.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and lively, with fresh acidity and gently grippy tannins (a hallmark of Freisa). The finish lingers with tart cherry and a rustic, savory twist.

Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown fruit from the Los Alamos Valley vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal purity, with a short aging period to emphasize approachability and vibrancy.

Food Pairing
A versatile table wine—excellent with tomato-based pasta, charcuterie, or grilled vegetables. Also pairs surprisingly well with pizza, burgers, and everyday comfort fare.

Verdict
A rare treat: an ancient Piedmontese grape reborn in California soil. Rustic yet refreshing, this Freisa shows both heritage and innovation, delivering a wine that’s casual, distinctive, and a true conversation starter. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata – Dolcetto Fresco 2023 🍒🌿
Santa Barbara County, California – USA

Inspired by Italy’s playful Vino Novello, this is a spirited, fruit-forward take on the classic Dolcetto — 100% estate-grown from the Lucas & Lewellen Family’s Los Alamos Valley Vineyards. It also marks a milestone: their very first wine crafted with carbonic maceration. This winemaking approach locks in vivid aromatics and freshness, making every sip feel alive.

On the palate: a joyful rush of ripe cherries 🍒, delicate clove spice, and aromatic herbs 🌿, balancing juicy fruitiness with subtle savory depth. The finish? Refreshingly crisp and irresistibly moreish.

Style tip: Serve lightly chilled — this is your new red for summer afternoons, picnics, and casual evenings on the patio.
A delicious reminder that Dolcetto can be both fun and elegant. 🥂 — 3 months ago

James Webb

9.2

Wow. Violets and red fruit! Beautiful integration. Good acid and full body, notes of overripe fruit. The tannins have integrated well. — 8 years 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. — 2 months ago

Donald Williams

9.3

Another better than expected Toccata. Held up beautifully in the cellar. — 4 months ago

with Bonnie

Steve Somermeyer

9.1

Decent nose & a strong Nebbiolo palate finish. A bit flat on entry but a nice wine. — 5 months ago

Bart Bartlett

8.9

Very refreshing pinot grigio with excellent pear and crisp floral notes. — 9 years ago

with Jennifer

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata Rosato Brut – 2021
Santa Maria Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A lively, traditional Italian-method sparkling wine crafted from 95% Chardonnay, with small additions of 2% Dolcetto and 3% Malvasia Bianca. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyards in northern Santa Barbara County. This blend creates a refined and elegant bubbly with subtle layers of complexity.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright citrus zest, green apple, and pear lead the way, followed by delicate floral notes and hints of stone fruit. The touch of Dolcetto adds a whisper of berry brightness, while Malvasia Bianca contributes subtle aromatics.

Mouthfeel
Crisp and refreshing, with fine bubbles and a balanced acidity. Light-to-medium body with a clean, dry, and slightly creamy finish. The structure is elegant without heaviness, making it both festive and versatile.

Winemaking Notes
Produced via the traditional méthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation in bottle. Aging on lees adds creaminess and a toasty nuance, while the unique blend of varietals distinguishes it from more conventional sparkling wines.

Food Pairing
Perfect with antipasti, shellfish, smoked salmon, or light pasta dishes. Also a great celebratory aperitif with cheese platters or simply on its own for a summer toast.

Verdict
A refreshing and charming California take on Italian-inspired sparkling rosato. Balanced, festive, and elegant, this wine shows that Santa Barbara County can deliver bubbles with real personality. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

☀️ Toccata Sole Bianco 2022
📍 Santa Barbara County, CA | 🍇 Viognier · Sauvignon Blanc · Malvasia Bianca · Muscat Canelli

A sunshine-kissed, aromatic blend — 57% Viognier, 29% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Malvasia Bianca, 2% Muscat Canelli 🍇.
👃 Aromas: peach · orange blossom · green apple · tangerine
👅 Palate: pineapple · crisp apple · citrus zest · floral lift
Crisp acidity · bright fruit · dangerously easy to drink (you’ve been warned)

Perfect Pairings:
🥗 Caprese salad with basil & balsamic drizzle
🍤 Shrimp scampi
🍕 White pizza with ricotta & arugula
🧀 Triple cream brie
🍓 Fresh fruit tart — 3 months ago

Jessica Krack

8.9

Sweet but cloyingly so. Fruity but clean — 7 years ago