Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Outpost – Zinfandel – 2023
Howell Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A powerhouse Zinfandel from the rugged slopes of Howell Mountain. At 16.1% ABV, this wine blurs the line between classic Zin and fortified intensity, bold, muscular, and unapologetically impactful. Rare to find Zinfandel from Howell Mountain, and it shows the terroir’s distinctive stamp.

Aromas & Flavors
Jammy blackberry, black plum, and spiced cherry compote, layered with peppercorn, tobacco leaf, and cocoa nibs. Notes of fig and raisin round out the darker, concentrated fruit profile.

Mouthfeel
Full-throttle and mouth-coating. Explosive fruit upfront followed by fiery spice and dense tannins. Despite its muscle, the wine pulls through with a surprisingly hearty and lasting finish.

Food Pairings
Best with equally bold cuisine: barbecue brisket, lamb shanks, wild boar stew, or intensely spiced dishes. Could also shine next to aged blue cheese.

Verdict
A monster Zin, unapologetic, high-octane, and unforgettable. Not for the faint of heart, but for those who embrace big wines, it delivers a rare and compelling experience.

Did You Know?
Howell Mountain’s volcanic soils and high elevation are usually Cabernet Sauvignon country. Outpost’s decision to plant Zinfandel here makes this bottling one of Napa’s rare mountain Zins, combining Zin’s natural exuberance with Howell’s signature intensity. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Willamette Valley Vineyards – Elton Pinot Noir 2017
Eola-Amity Hills AVA, Willamette Valley, Oregon – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
This single-vineyard Pinot Noir comes from the famed Elton Vineyard, first planted in 1983 and regarded as one of Oregon’s premier Pinot Noir sites. Perched on the east-facing slopes of the Eola-Amity Hills, the vines benefit from volcanic Jory soils and the cooling Van Duzer Corridor winds, which preserve acidity and enhance complexity.

Aromas & Flavors
Opening with seductive aromas of ripe red cherry, cranberry, and black raspberry, layered with rose petals, baking spices, and subtle forest floor. On the palate, it reveals red currant, pomegranate, and a savory touch of clove and tea leaf, supported by a refined mineral edge.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and medium-bodied, with silky tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine strikes a beautiful balance between fruit purity and earthy depth, finishing long with a persistent, savory echo.

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested from old vines at Elton Vineyard. Fermentation in small lots, some whole-cluster inclusion for structure, then aged 15–18 months in French oak (around 30–40% new). Crafted in a Burgundian-inspired style while remaining true to Oregon’s terroir-driven character.

Food Pairing
Perfect with cedar-plank salmon, roast duck, wild mushroom risotto, or herb-roasted chicken. Its elegance also makes it a natural fit with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert.

Verdict
A graceful, terroir-driven Pinot Noir that reflects both the pedigree of Elton Vineyard and the finesse of the 2017 vintage in Eola-Amity Hills. Balanced, complex, and age-worthy — a benchmark Oregon Pinot. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Shengli Hu

9.0

2018 much more minerality on the nose! Not what Zin reminds you of. Red cherries blackberry black pepper spices licorice medium acidity long spicy finish moderate body dark. notes from visit to the winery.

Alexander Valley. Bright red volcanic soils, steep rocky slopes and western exposure. — 3 years ago

Randy Fuller

9.3

This wine does a little Pinot Noir act, medium ruby in the glass with earthy red fruit on the nose. The Sicilian grapes were grown on the slopes of Mt. Etna, and owner Michele Faro spoke during a Zoom gathering about his love of the volcanic soil. The nose also offers notes of coffee, sage and eucalyptus. The palate definitely shows the volcanic origin along with spice and pepper, plus a firm tannic structure. The sip finishes clean and savory. Very tasty. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Continuum – Novicium – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2016
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
From Tim Mondavi’s Continuum Estate, this 2016 Novicium Cabernet Sauvignon represents one of the estate’s rarest bottlings, crafted in very small quantities. Sourced from the dramatic slopes of Pritchard Hill, the wine is a bold, concentrated expression of Napa Cabernet, carrying the unmistakable Mondavi family signature of precision, structure, and longevity.

Aromas & Flavors
Explosive aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and cassis, interwoven with cedar, graphite, espresso bean, and subtle dark chocolate. A hint of tobacco and violet adds extra layers of intrigue.

Mouthfeel
Dense, powerful, and structured with firm yet polished tannins. Full-bodied with remarkable depth and intensity, balanced by a fine backbone of acidity that promises longevity. The finish is long, layered, and memorable.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside prime ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or a truffle-infused mushroom risotto. A wine made for bold dishes and serious occasions.

Verdict
Outstanding and superb, a powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon that epitomizes Napa Valley’s potential at its highest level. Bold, concentrated, and age-worthy, it’s a treasure worth savoring now or cellaring for the future.

Did You Know?
Continuum Estate, founded by the Mondavi family on Pritchard Hill, is considered one of Napa’s “Grand Cru” terroirs thanks to its elevation (1,300–1,600 ft) and its red volcanic and loamy soils. The name Novicium hints at “novice” or “beginning,” yet this bottling is anything but, it’s an insider’s gem from one of Napa’s most pedigreed sites. Cheers!

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Among the finest Napa reds I’ve had in recent memory. This bottle left a lasting impression, truly impressive in its balance of concentration, elegance, and power. One of those wines that instantly reminds you why Napa sits among the world’s great Cabernet regions. — 5 days ago

Willem Booij

9.4

The Iconic Wines of Estate Argyros – Santorini’s Volcanic Elegance in a Glass

On the windswept volcanic slopes of Santorini, Estate Argyros crafts some of the island’s most expressive and age-worthy wines. This historic family-run estate, founded in 1903, combines deep-rooted tradition with modern precision to showcase the full potential of Santorini’s unique terroir—defined by volcanic soils, scarce rainfall, and sun-drenched vineyards.

🍷 Cuvée Evdemon

One of the estate’s flagships, this biodynamic Assyrtiko is sourced from old, ungrafted vines and reflects power, minerality, and finesse. A wine of great depth and aging potential, with citrus oil, wet stone, and saline energy on the palate.

🍷 Cuvée Monsignori

Named after one of the oldest vineyards on the island, Monsignori is a single-vineyard expression of Assyrtiko, made from vines over 200 years old. It’s precise, textured, and layered—combining volcanic tension with elegant complexity.

🍷 Vinsanto 4, 12 & 20 Years

These legendary sweet wines, made from sun-dried Assyrtiko, Aidani, and Athiri grapes, are a tribute to Santorini’s history. Aged for years in oak barrels, they offer stunning aromas of dried apricot, honey, caramel, and spice. Rich, balanced, and endlessly long on the finish.

🍷 Cuvée Palatia (New Release)

The latest jewel in Argyros’ crown, Cuvée Palatia is a bold yet refined new interpretation of Assyrtiko. Crafted from a meticulous blend of grapes from seven different vineyard plots, each adding its own nuance, the wine is strikingly complex. Vibrant acidity, intense minerality, and layers of citrus, flint, and white flowers make this a truly distinctive, age-worthy wine that speaks of place, precision, and innovation.

Estate Argyros’ premium wines are more than just drinks—they are stories bottled in glass, capturing the essence of Santorini’s raw, ancient beauty and the passionate craftsmanship behind every vintage. A must for any serious wine lover. — 6 months ago

Vanessa

9.0

Deliciously juicy Gaja and Graci collaboration from the southern slopes of Mt. Etna on the island of Sicily.

A volcanic blend of 90% Nerello Mascalese and 10% Nerello Cappuccio. Vintage 2017; ABV 14.5%

I love that this wine was named Idda (‘she’) referring with admiration to the majestic Mt. Etna.

This wine is ripe with notes of cherry, kirsch, alongside tomato leaf, mint, cardamom, crushed stone and flinty minerality. — 4 years ago

with Deked1

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gambino Vini – Tifeo Etna Bianco 2023
Etna DOC, Sicily – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A striking white blend from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, crafted with 72% Carricante and 28% Catarratto, two of Sicily’s most important indigenous grapes. Etna Bianco wines are fast becoming symbols of Italy’s volcanic terroirs, delivering mineral-driven, authentic expressions far from mainstream white styles.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and layered, offering citrus zest, green apple, and pear, complemented by wild herbs and subtle floral tones. A hint of saline minerality underscores the volcanic origin, while a smoky whisper adds complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a lingering citrus-stone finish. Textured yet refreshing, it balances richness and precision beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
High-altitude vineyards on Etna’s northern slopes provide cool nights and intense sun exposure, yielding grapes with freshness and concentration.

Food Pairing
Perfect with seafood pasta, grilled swordfish, Sicilian caponata, or fresh cheeses. A versatile choice that can elevate both traditional Sicilian fare and modern pairings.

Verdict
A compelling introduction to Etna’s whites: mineral, distinctive, and deeply expressive. For wine lovers seeking to explore volcanic terroirs, this is a must-try.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why This Can Age
Carricante, Etna’s flagship white grape, has been cultivated for over 1,000 years. With naturally high acidity and strong minerality, it develops honeyed, nutty, and petrol-like complexity over time, much like Riesling. While delicious now, top Etna Bianco blends like this can age gracefully for 7–10 years, layering depth without losing freshness. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Raciti – Rupestre Rosso / Nerello Mascalese / 2020
Etna DOC – Sicily, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Crafted on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, this red highlights Nerello Mascalese’s distinct personality. The combination of high elevation, mineral-rich soils, and Sicily’s sun creates a wine that’s both rustic and refined.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherries, dried herbs, and smoky earth, laced with hints of tar and ash that echo the volcano’s dramatic terroir.

Mouthfeel
Chewy and structured with firm tannins, balanced acidity, and that unmistakable volcanic grip, giving the wine depth and texture.

Food Pairings
A perfect partner to rosemary-grilled lamb chops, slow-cooked pork, or hearty pasta with ragù.

Verdict
Volcanic elegance in a glass, expressive and earthy, yet vibrant. Best enjoyed now with a short decant to reveal its smoky, layered complexity.

Did You Know?
Etna is often called the “Burgundy of the Mediterranean” because Nerello Mascalese, its signature grape, delivers Pinot Noir–like elegance and finesse, combined with volcanic minerality and grip. — 4 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Dark Ruby with youthful purple notes - very dense almost black. After decanting a whiff of high quality French oak. Black and blue fruits. Might have opened this a little young. It’s full bodied and powerful. 70% Petit Verdot, 30% Cesanese, somewhat of a unicorn - I doubt if I could find this in Australia. Bought at the Cellar door on a Sicily tour with Scud MW at Franchetti on the favoured northern slopes of Mount Etna. In a blind tasting I would pick this as Bordeaux. The fruit richness dominates and doesn’t allow much Etna derived volcanic minerality to show through. Much riper and richer than you would expect from an Etna wine. This is the premium cuvée from Franchetti. Would love to try another one in 5 years if I had one. — 2 years ago