Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Piccolo Cru’ – Red Blend – Vintage 2021
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An Italian-inspired Bordeaux blend crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Gabriella Gazano, who has guided the estate for over 25 years. This cuvée unites 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that marries the structural power of Bordeaux varietals with Mediterranean elegance and Napa Valley ripeness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant layers of dark cherries, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cocoa, and a whisper of dried herbs. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice from the oak complete the aromatic tapestry.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful. Firm, polished tannins give structure while a velvety mid-palate carries richness and depth. The finish is persistent, balancing dark fruit with savory spice.

Food Pairings
Made for hearty and soulful fare: osso buco, braised short ribs, Tuscan ribollita, or grilled ribeye. A natural partner for Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize flavor and tradition.

Verdict
Piccolo Cru’ is a harmonious bridge between Old World refinement and New World power. Structured, soulful, and deeply satisfying, it captures both the strength of Napa terroir and the finesse of Italian winemaking artistry.

Did You Know?
Calistoga, the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, is famed for its volcanic soils and hot days cooled by evening breezes. These extremes allow Bordeaux varietals to develop ripeness and structure in equal measure, ideal for blends like Piccolo Cru’.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle sings of duality: a Tuscan heart wrapped in Napa muscle. It’s soulful, elegant, and powerful, a wine I’d revisit for its depth, story, and sense of place. — 24 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Grgić Pošip, Korčula Island 2022
A Croatian white with California roots and Adriatic soul.

Crafted by Grgić Vina, the Croatian project of Napa legend Miljenko “Mike” Grgich (of Judgment of Paris fame), this 100% Pošip is sourced from steep, sun-drenched vineyards on Korčula Island, overlooking the Adriatic.

Pošip, a native Croatian grape born from a spontaneous crossing of two local varieties, delivers a crisp, dry, and complex profile. This 2022 vintage is beautifully aromatic, with notes of citrus, ripe melon, apple, and savory herbs, rounded by hints of vanilla, hazelnut, smoke, and lemon rind. There’s even a faint whisper of resin and orange blossom in the background.

On the palate, it’s voluptuous yet vibrant, a brilliant balance of brisk minerality, layered fruit, and a clean, snappy finish.

Pairing tip: It sings with seafood, think oysters, shrimp pasta, grilled white fish, or even creamy pasta with wild fennel. Also works nicely with soft cheeses.
A standout wine that’s both regional and refined, offering a true taste of Dalmatian coastal charm.
Cheers!
— 5 months ago

Anthony Cammarata Jr.

9.2

At over 20 years old, the 2004 Opus One is showing beautifully, striking a balance between maturity and vibrancy. On the nose, it opens with an inviting bouquet of ripe blackberries, cassis, and dark cherries, layered with subtle notes of violet, tobacco, and espresso.
On the palate, the wine is smooth and full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and a silky texture that coats the mouth without being heavy. The core is rich with dark fruit—black plum, currant, and a touch of blueberry—balanced by earthy undertones and a whisper of leather. Definitely one of my favorites. — 7 months ago

with Michael

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Champagne Cattier – Brut Rosé Premier Cru (N/V)
Montagne de Reims, Champagne – France 🇫🇷

Overview
Produced by the Cattier family (vinegrowers in Champagne since 1763, now in their 13th generation), this Premier Cru Brut Rosé blends 31% Chardonnay, 26% Meunier, 43% Pinot Noir from the Montagne de Reims. Crafted with precision, it highlights the house’s reputation for balance and finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate raspberry and wild strawberry notes, lifted by citrus zest and a whisper of brioche. Hints of red currant and rose petals add charm.

Mouthfeel
Crisp, creamy, and elegant with fine bubbles. The mousse is persistent yet delicate, and the finish is both refreshing and silky.

Food Pairings
Pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, tuna tartare, charcuterie, or fresh berry desserts. Also excellent as an aperitif.

Verdict
A well-made Premier Cru Champagne rosé that delivers finesse, freshness, and subtle complexity. A fine choice for those seeking elegance at a relatively approachable price point. 🥂cheers!

Did You Know? 📌
Cattier is also the family behind the ultra-prestige label Armand de Brignac (“Ace of Spades”), but their own Cattier-branded Champagnes often deliver outstanding value for their pedigree. — 2 months ago

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

Aaron Tan

9.7

I’m on a roll with Côte de Beaune reds lately! This 13’ Rugiens was absolutely incredible. Still brimming with youthful energy - it demanded patience, taking three hours to unfurl, but when it did, what unfolded was a wine of breathtaking purity, intensity, and drive. Dark cherries layered with musky florals and a whisper of spice mingled with a strikingly mineral core. It grew in stature across the palate, building to a finish that was both super long and fine, leaving a resonant, stony echo. Another profound lesson in weightless intensity! — a year ago

Jack Petras

8.9

Had with friends with an orange cake desert and it was perfect. Cognac like aromas and flavors without the alcohol. Candied orange peel with a whisper of saffron. — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Hevron Heights – Isaac’s Ram Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A high-end Cabernet from Hevron Heights, made entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in oak (about 18 months), this wine leans into the rugged elevation and temperature swings of the Judean Hills. (Educational note: elevation in warm climate wine regions helps preserve acidity and build structure even in bolder styles.)

Aromas & Flavors
Deep currents of black currant, dark berry compote, and ripe plum. Cedar, licorice, spice-box, and a touch of vanilla and coffee from oak aging. Earthy undertones and a whisper of pepper add complexity. 

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with firm tannins. The oak adds richness, while the cool nights in the Judean Hills help retain a fresh acid backbone. Finishes long, dense, and robust. 

Food Pairings
Pairs well with grilled red meats, steak or lamb, hearty stews, and dishes with earthy mushrooms or root vegetables. Aging or smoked cheeses would also work nicely.

Verdict
A bold, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases what Israeli high-elevation terroir can do. It’s drinking well now for its fruit and oak richness, but has the structure and acidity to evolve further over a few years. 🍷

Did You Know?
Isaac’s Ram is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged ~18 months in French & Hungarian oak — typical for premium kosher offerings in Judean Hills. — 2 months 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. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

El Esteco – Torrontés “Blend de Extremos” 2023
Valles Calchaquíes, Salta – Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview
This blend of Torrontés sourced from Chañar Punco and Cafayate, part of El Esteco’s “Blend de Extremos” program, captures the union of two high-altitude sites. The 2023 vintage leans elegant, with expressive aromatics balanced by fresh structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Fragrant rose petals and orange peel open this wine, followed by tropical fruit, citrus blossom, and delicate white peach notes. The bouquet is floral and lively but with a softer intensity compared to more exuberant vintages.

Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium body with crisp acidity that gives tension. The texture is graceful and gentle, with a clean, refreshing finish that keeps the aromatic notes lingering.

Food Pairings
Great with ceviche, grilled shrimp, empanadas, or light salads with citrus dressing. Also a delightful stand-alone sipper to enjoy before dinner.

Verdict
A beautifully restrained Torrontés that shows finesse over power. If 2024 delivered aromatic fireworks, this 2023 is more of a polished, elegant whisper in the same language. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Torrontés is Argentina’s signature white grape, and in Salta’s high-altitude vineyards it often thrives—especially in vintages that balance sunshine with cool nights. Its aromatic intensity is very sensitive to vintage variation and canopy exposure.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
While I preferred 2024 for its vibrancy, this 2023 version still holds charm and delicacy — a refined expression of Salta’s heights. I’d lean this into my top white-flight list for Argentine wines. — a year ago