Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Terre del Casone – Vermentino – 2024
Toscana IGT, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Building on the charm of the 2023 vintage, the 2024 Vermentino adds an extra layer of character and intensity. Still crafted by the Castellani family, it reflects a slightly warmer growing season that enhanced texture, aromatics, and persistence, without sacrificing freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vivid lemon blossom, green melon, and nectarine unfold into richer notes of pear, lime peel, and crushed seashell. There’s a subtle herbal undertone of thyme and fennel that nods to its coastal terroir.

Mouthfeel
More pronounced and textural than 2023, rounder mid-palate, but still crisp and focused. Excellent balance between fruit concentration and saline minerality.

Food Pairings
A brilliant match for shrimp scampi, seafood risotto, grilled calamari, or even soft cheeses like burrata with basil oil.

Verdict
The 2024 takes everything great about its predecessor and turns up the definition. Slightly deeper, slightly more assertive, yet just as refreshing. A step forward in complexity for this coastal gem. Cheers!

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Currently sipping this vintage, it’s impressive how this humble Vermentino evolves with each year. The 2024 brings personality and poise in perfect harmony. — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A benchmark Pinot Noir from one of California’s most iconic producers. Only 656 cases crafted, this 2023 vintage beautifully captures the Russian River Valley’s signature elegance and vibrancy. It’s a wine that balances precision and grace, proof that fine, age-worthy Pinot is alive and thriving in Sonoma.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherries, wild raspberries, and pomegranate glide alongside hints of rose petal, orange zest, and forest floor. Subtle spice and oak tones weave seamlessly into the fruit, creating layers of depth and charm.

Mouthfeel
Silky, balanced, and pure. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and ultra-fine tannins that give it both structure and lift. The wine literally dances on the palate, finishing long and elegant with a whisper of red fruit and spice.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside duck confit, herb-crusted salmon, mushroom risotto, or roasted poultry with truffle butter.

Verdict
A polished and expressive Pinot Noir that speaks of place and precision. Williams Selyem continues to set the gold standard for Russian River Valley finesse, delivering both immediacy and cellar potential.

Did You Know?
Williams Selyem was among the pioneers of single-vineyard Pinot Noir in California. Their minimalist approach, native yeasts, gentle extraction, and minimal filtration, has influenced generations of winemakers aiming for purity of terroir. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Chimney Rock – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022
Stags Leap District AVA – Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon from the iconic Stags Leap District, Napa Valley. Aged in 100% French oak (predominantly free run), this wine embodies the district’s reputation for power wrapped in finesse. Though young, the 2022 already shows approachability while promising years of graceful aging.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, cassis, and plum, with graphite and tobacco leaf. Subtle oak spice, vanilla, and cedar weave in seamlessly.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, structured yet supple. Ripe tannins and fresh acidity deliver balance and a long, elegant finish. Shows classic “Stags Leap silk”, power with polish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled ribeye, rosemary lamb chops, or a truffle-mushroom risotto. Also an excellent companion to hard cheeses like aged Gouda.

Verdict
A beautiful expression of Stags Leap Cabernet: powerful, polished, and already enjoyable young. With cellar potential, it will gain even more depth over the next decade.

Did You Know?
The Stags Leap District is famed for producing some of the world’s most elegant Cabernets, balancing Napa’s ripeness with an almost Bordeaux-like finesse. The phrase “iron fist in a velvet glove” is often used to describe its signature style. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Moraga Estate – Sauvignon Blanc – Vintage 2005
Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A rare gem from the limestone-studded canyons of Bel Air, this 100% Sauvignon Blanc continues to shine in 2025. Two decades in the bottle and it still delivers poise, energy, and a layered expression that challenges assumptions about the longevity of this varietal.

Aromas & Flavors
Opening with lifted citrus zest, preserved lemon, and green apple skin, it deepens into honeycomb, dried herbs, land gentle nuttiness. Secondary notes of chamomile and a faint saline edge complete the picture.

Mouthfeel
Bright yet rounded, linear acidity still carries the wine, while age has smoothed the edges into a harmonious, almost waxy texture. The finish is long, mineral, and quietly elegant.

Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled halibut, herb-roasted chicken, or even aged goat cheese. A wine this mature also deserves space on its own, meditative sipping recommended.

Verdict
Impressive endurance and balance. This is a testament to site, winemaking, and patience. Moraga once again proves itself as a hidden enclave of age-worthy Sauvignon Blanc.

Did You Know?
Moraga is one of the few vineyards within Los Angeles city limits, producing wines since the 1980s from a terroir influenced by both limestone soils and cooling Pacific breezes.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle reconfirms my awe for Moraga whites, Sauvignon Blanc with two decades under its belt, still lively, still complete. A benchmark in my experience of California whites. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Pisano “Río de los Pájaros” Reserve 2024
Progreso, Uruguay 🇺🇾

Overview
An impressive white out of 100% Torrontés grapes from the Pisano family estate, representing Uruguay’s Atlantic expression of this aromatic varietal. Subtle yet elegant, this wine redefines Torrontés with finesse rather than flamboyance.

Aromas & Flavors
Enticing florals, white jasmine, honeysuckle, and orange blossom, lifted by stone fruit and citrus zest. Notes of lychee and pear gently unfold as it opens in the glass.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and a rounded mid-palate. The texture is supple yet vibrant, giving a polished feel to a grape often known for exuberance. The finish is clean, layered, and persistent.

Food Pairings
Superb with ceviche, grilled shrimp, or Southeast Asian dishes with a touch of spice. Also delightful with goat cheese salads or simply enjoyed solo.

Verdict
A sophisticated take on Torrontés, aromatic yet balanced, expressive yet composed. A must-try example of Uruguay’s potential in white wines.Cheers!

Did You Know?
“Río de los Pájaros” translates to River of the Painted Birds, Uruguay’s poetic name derived from the native Guaraní language, a tribute to its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
— 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An exquisitely balanced Pinot Noir that bridges sophistication and accessibility with effortless grace. This Sonoma Coast expression from Williams Selyem encapsulates the winery’s hallmark finesse, purity of fruit, silky texture, and a sense of place that feels both coastal and timeless.

Aromas & Flavors
A radiant medley of red berries; strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry, accented by rose petals, wet stone, and a touch of baking spice. The fruit feels pure and translucent, lifted by cool coastal energy.

Mouthfeel
Silky and impeccably polished, with a seamless mid-palate glide. The interplay of fruit, acidity, and texture is so harmonious it makes you pause between sips , a masterclass in balance.

Food Pairings
Ideal with cedar-plank salmon, duck breast with cherry glaze, or wild mushroom risotto. Its versatility shines across both elegant and rustic cuisine.

Verdict
A Pinot that pleases both the collector and the casual drinker, sophisticated yet inviting. It resonates with critics and enthusiasts alike, a true reflection of Williams Selyem’s craftsmanship on the Sonoma Coast.

Did You Know?
The Sonoma Coast AVA, cooled by Pacific fog and ocean breezes, produces some of California’s most refined and age-worthy Pinot Noirs. This 2023 vintage captures that maritime freshness beautifully.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine of quiet brilliance, where restraint meets depth. Each sip feels intentional, reminding you how elegant California Pinot can truly be. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bella Novello – Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A tribute wine named after Teresa Novello, this Cabernet Sauvignon carries the elegance of heritage with the power of Napa terroir. Crafted in limited production (just 850 cases), Bella Novello is youthful yet already expressive, shaped by winemaking that blends Italian finesse with Napa Valley boldness.

Aromas & Flavors
Aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry intertwine with cedar, graphite, and touches of dried violet. Subtle hints of mocha and spice round out its aromatic depth.

Mouthfeel
Structured and youthful, with firm tannins and a focused core of dark fruit. The mid-palate shows promise of expansion, leading to a lingering finish marked by cassis and savory spice. Designed to reward both patience and curiosity.

Food Pairings
Pair with classic dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb shanks, or wild mushroom risotto. Its backbone of tannin and freshness makes it ideal for rich, protein-driven meals.

Verdict
Bella Novello is a Cabernet with poise, combining Old World inspiration and Napa’s hallmark concentration. Drinkable now with decanting, but truly a wine built to age gracefully over the next decade.

Did You Know?
The Novello family’s Italian roots are deeply honored through this label, bringing a personal story of heritage to the heart of Napa winemaking.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Cabernet feels like a future classic, bold yet refined. While still youthful, it already hints at the elegance it will achieve with time. A bottle worth cellaring, but also one to enjoy now with the right meal and good company. Cheers! — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Viña Alarde Gran Reserva 2013
Marqués de la Concordia – Rioja DOCa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A true heritage Rioja, celebrating the 136th family harvest from a winery founded in 1877. Made predominantly from Tempranillo, this Gran Reserva showcases the enduring elegance and patience of traditional Spanish winemaking, aged to perfection in both oak and bottle.

Aromas & Flavors
Classic notes of dried cherry, tobacco leaf, and vanilla bean mingle with earthy undertones of leather, cedar, and sweet spice. Hints of balsamic and roasted herbs add complexity with every swirl.

Mouthfeel
Gracefully aged — medium-bodied, with fine, integrated tannins and a long, silky finish that lingers with warmth and harmony.

Food Pairings
Ideal with roasted lamb, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto. It also sings alongside Spanish classics like chorizo al vino or paella mixta.

Verdict
A refined Rioja that honors the timeless tradition of Gran Reserva. Balanced, soulful, and mature, the 2013 vintage stands as a reminder of Rioja’s graceful longevity. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines in Rioja must age for at least five years, with two years minimum in oak and three in bottle before release, ensuring deep complexity and remarkable smoothness. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir “Westside Road Neighbors” – Vintage 2023
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An expressive and terroir-driven Pinot Noir from the revered Westside Road corridor of the Russian River Valley, a stretch synonymous with depth, precision, and complexity. This 2023 release from Williams Selyem showcases the hallmark elegance of the estate but with a more structured, site-focused personality.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe cherry, red currant, and plum compote intertwined with notes of black tea, baking spice, and subtle earthy undertones. Hints of cola and dried rose petals emerge as the wine opens, adding nuance to its aromatic range.

Mouthfeel
Texturally denser than the core RRV bottling, with a refined backbone of tannin and a sense of gravitas on the palate. Medium-plus body with impressive balance, equal parts finesse and muscle. The finish is long, savory, and mineral-tinged, reflecting the complexity of its vineyard sources.

Food Pairings
Perfect for roast duck with cherry glaze, wild mushroom tart, or seared salmon with soy-ginger glaze. The structure also pairs beautifully with richer poultry or pork dishes.

Verdict
A Pinot Noir of precision and presence, more grounded and terroir-driven than its softer sibling. “Westside Road Neighbors” is the connoisseur’s pick: powerful yet graceful, and built for cellaring.

Did You Know?
The “Westside Road Neighbors” cuvée blends fruit from several prestigious vineyards located along one of Sonoma’s most famous Pinot corridors, where fog and afternoon sun create the perfect microclimate for depth and elegance.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Pinot stands out for its balance of structure and soul. A wine that feels both intellectual and emotional, it invites reflection while still being effortlessly enjoyable. — 7 days ago

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. — 7 days ago