Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château Garraud 2016 – Lalande-de-Pomerol
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
From the esteemed Lalande-de-Pomerol AOC, this Merlot-dominant blend (~70–75% Merlot with Cabernet Franc & Cabernet Sauvignon) captures the vintage’s hallmark: ripeness, balance, and solid structure. 2016 was an excellent year in Bordeaux, producing wines with both plush fruit and age-worthy backbone. Garraud delivers an approachable yet refined style, a softer counterpart to neighboring Pomerol but still layered and complex.
(Educational edge: Lalande-de-Pomerol sits just north of Pomerol proper—sharing similar gravel and clay terroirs, yet offering more approachable, value-driven wines compared to the iconic Pomerol greats.)

Aromas & Flavors
Plum compote, ripe cherry, and blackberry unfold with notes of cocoa, tobacco leaf, and baking spice. The Cabernet lift adds touches of cedar and graphite, giving the fruit an elegant frame.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with velvety tannins and fresh acidity. Polished, silky, and structured—more depth than younger vintages, with a long, persistent finish carrying spice and dark fruit.

Winemaking Notes
The estate’s clay-gravel soils provide richness while oak aging (in French barrels) adds finesse and integration. With 2016’s concentration, this vintage has the balance to age gracefully for another 5–7 years.

Food Pairing
Roast duck, grilled lamb chops, or seared ribeye. Also works beautifully with mushroom risotto or semi-soft cheeses like Tomme de Savoie.

Verdict
An outstanding vintage expression of Lalande-de-Pomerol—plush, elegant, and structured. Drink now for its approachability, or hold a few more years to see added depth and nuance. Cheers! — 11 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Karas “Kraki Ktor” Orange Wine 2022
Ararat Valley, Armavir Region, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Karas named this wine “Kraki Ktor” (“piece of fire” in Armenian), a bold expression of indigenous Kangun grapes made in the ancestral orange wine style. Crafted in volcanic soils near Mount Ararat, it celebrates Armenia’s millennia-old winemaking tradition—bringing the ancient karas (clay amphora) and modern elegance into a single glass.   

Aromas & Flavors
Delicately perfumed with orange blossom, ripe citrus, and bergamot, paired with nuanced quince and apricot. On the palate, it’s layered and softly savory, finishing with a gentle tannic grip and lingering dried fruit nuance.   

Mouthfeel
Silky, slightly cloudy, and texturally complex—sledding effortlessly across the palate, offering a refreshingly structured yet soft finish.  

Winemaking Notes
Fermented with 10 months of skin contact in stainless steel tanks, then bottled unfiltered and unstabilized to preserve its raw, authentic character and vivid depth. 

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with creamy vegetable stews, roasted poultry, hearty salads, or richer seafood dishes. It also makes a vibrant aperitif or companion for eclectic mezze plates. 

Verdict
Kraki Ktor 2022 is a captivating, terroir-forward orange wine that brings Armenia’s winemaking soul to life. It’s adventurous yet refined—perfect for those ready to explore natural, heritage-driven wines with energy and depth. Cheers! — 17 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Karas Reserve Areni-Sireni 2023
Ararat Valley, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A striking expression of Armenia’s winemaking heritage, this blend combines 60% Areni and 40% Sireni, two iconic indigenous grapes grown in volcanic soils at the foot of Mount Ararat. Crafted using a mix of traditional Karas (clay amphorae) fermentation and aging in Armenian oak, Karas Winery—led by the Eurnekian family—presents a wine deeply rooted in place and legacy, yet modern in balance and structure.   

Aromas & Flavors
Rich, dark berries and plum notes lead the charge, followed by savory Mediterranean herbs, earthy minerality, and a gentle anchor of spice and volcanic intensity. Despite its depth, the wine maintains admirable freshness and poise.  

Mouthfeel
Texturally generous and layered, with a medium to full body and a refined tannin structure. Its sleek acidity and mineral elements counterbalance its density, resulting in a beautifully balanced and lingering finish. 

Winemaking Notes
This is a signature Armenian reserve bottling—fermented in earthenware amphorae and aged in native oak, allowing both aroma and structure to reflect the unique terroir. Karas consistently honors national traditions while embracing modern refinement.   

Food Pairing
An ideal match for rich meats like lamb or goat, hearty stews, or rustic roasted fare. Its savory spine and mineral grip make it a compelling partner for bold, flavorful dishes.  

Verdict
Karas Reserve Areni-Sireni 2023 merges old-world tradition with contemporary elegance. Its bold personality, cultural authenticity, and structural harmony make it a compelling ambassador for Armenian wine history—truly memorable in every sip. Cheers! — 17 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Château de Lamarque “Héritiers des Marquis d’Evry” 2021
Haut-Médoc, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
This vintage is a classic Bordeaux blend—Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot—sourced from a historic Haut-Médoc château with roots stretching back to the 15th century. It’s the “second wine” of Château de Lamarque, offering approachability while retaining estate quality. The appellation’s gravelly terroir and structured style are evident in every sip.
 

Aromas & Flavors
Rippling with blackcurrant and cassis, the wine is wreathed in cedar, tobacco, and earthy undertones. On the palate, dense fruit and toast meld with a hint of spice—classic left-bank elegance with that savory Médoc streak.
 

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with refined tannins and vibrant acidity. A balanced structure makes it satisfying now, while promising graceful evolution over the next 5–10 years.
 

Winemaking Notes
The estate cultivates a blend of vines: roughly 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Fermentation occurs in hidden concrete vats, followed by aging—with about 25% in new French oak barrels.
 

Food Pairing
Perfectly paired with robust fare: beef steaks, roast lamb, silverside, game, and dishes enveloped in rich, savory sauces.


Verdict
A solid Haut-Médoc “second wine” that mirrors the terroir and tradition of Château de Lamarque at a more accessible level—classic, savory, and beautifully balanced. Cheers!
— 11 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Denis Dubourdieu “Liaison” Bordeaux Blanc 2023
Graves, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Created by the legendary Denis Dubourdieu—a pioneer in transforming dry white Bordeaux—Liaison is a thoughtfully balanced blend (50/50) of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. Born in the gravel-rich terroir of Graves, this wine showcases both citrus-driven freshness and textural elegance. A smart entry point for exploring Graves whites.
 

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive citrus and orchard aromas—expect white peach, green apple, lemon zest—brightened by fresh herbal and mineral undercurrents. The palate carries delicate salinity and flinty complexity.
  

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and crisp, with vibrant acidity balanced by a subtle weight from Sémillon’s richness. The texture is refined and gently savory, finishing clean and poised.
 

Winemaking Notes
Dubourdieu was an innovator in crafting modern dry whites from Bordeaux. While specifics for Liaison 2023 aren’t public, it reflects his legacy of organic practices and skin-contact experimentation that elevated white Bordeaux.


Food Pairing
Brilliant with oysters, grilled white fish, light poultry, or creamy vegetable dishes. Its bright acidity and texture make it a versatile pairing wine.

Verdict
A vibrant and classically styled Graves white—Liaison 2023 captures both immediacy and finesse in one glass. A beautifully balanced blend that delivers purity, elegance, and accessible charm at a great price point. — 12 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Karas Red Wine 2022
Armavir Region, Ararat Valley, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
From the esteemed Karas winery—named for the ancient clay amphorae (“karas”) central to winemaking heritage—comes this dynamic 2022 red blend. A bold yet nuanced mix of 35% Syrah, 35% Malbec, and 30% Cabernet Franc, it harnesses the volcanic soils and extreme continental climate of Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Karas blends centuries-old tradition with sustainable modern winemaking in this compelling entry.  

Aromas & Flavors
Deep aromas of dark cherry, ripe raspberry, and pomegranate, spiced by Syrah’s savory pepper bite and accented by smoky, green-pepper notes from the Cabernet Franc. The palate remains elegant, with fresh dark fruit layered over subtle spice and smoke notes. 

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with bright acidity and smooth, approachable tannins. It finishes with charm, balancing structure and drinkability perfectly. 

Winemaking Notes
Crafted with hand-harvested fruit and fermentation followed by gentle aging—likely in stainless steel or neutral vessels—to preserve purity of fruit. Karas emphasizes eco-conscious practices and respects its heritage while pushing Armenian wine into the global spotlight.  

Food Pairing
Versatile and friendly at the table: pairs beautifully with braised red meats, burgers, pulled pork, earthy pasta, barbecue, or tangy cheese. 

Verdict
Karas Red Wine 2022 is a balanced, vibrant, and terroir-driven blend that showcases Armenia’s winemaking heritage and dynamic present. A compelling value—rich yet accessible and endlessly charming. — 17 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux – Nuits-Saint-Georges Vieilles Vignes 2022
Côte de Nuits, Burgundy, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Crafted from old vines (Vieilles Vignes) in the heart of Nuits-Saint-Georges, this 100% Pinot Noir captures the appellation’s signature structure and depth. Domaine Chevillon-Chezeaux is a respected family estate that farms traditionally, bottling wines with both authenticity and age-worthy finesse. Unlike the silkier Chambolle-Musigny or the perfumed grace of Vosne-Romanée, Nuits-Saint-Georges is known for its firmer tannic backbone and savory, earthy character, making it one of Burgundy’s most robust expressions of Pinot Noir.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with dark cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry layered with subtle spice, forest floor, and a gentle mineral streak. Hints of violet and dried herbs lend additional elegance.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, silky yet firm, with polished tannins and bright acidity carrying through to a persistent, savory finish. Youthful now, but its layered fruit and backbone suggest strong aging potential.

Winemaking Notes
Old vines (many 40–60 years of age) deliver concentration and depth. Traditional Burgundian vinification with careful élevage in French oak barrels (a proportion new, though never overpowering).

Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted duck, mushroom-based dishes, lamb chops, or simply a classic coq au vin. Its balance of fruit and earthy complexity makes it versatile with Burgundian-style cuisine.

Verdict
A benchmark Nuits-Saint-Georges VV—structured yet refined, with depth of fruit, mineral poise, and a sense of place. One to enjoy now with decanting, or cellar for 8–12 years for even greater reward. — 12 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Castoro “Tango” White Blend 2022
Paso Robles, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A dance of flavors in a glass—this wine pairs Chardonnay and Viognier, sourced from Castoro Cellars’ 100% certified-sustainable estate vineyards. With the Viognier contributing floral lift and the Chardonnay providing structure, Tango delivers that perfect Paso Robles warmth with elegance. Winemaker Tom Myers intended this blend to work in “flawless synergy,” much like a Tango dance.  

Aromas & Flavors
Enticing aromas of passionfruit, ripe peach, and ginger spice, with underlying nuances of pear, jasmine, and tactile floral richness.  

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and vibrantly textured, with French oak aging that adds weight to the mid-palate and a silky, soft finish—all wrapped in bright acidity.  

Winemaking Notes
Crafted without added sugars—this is a dry white blend (residual sugar ~0.6%) that balances aromatic expressiveness with freshness. 

Food Pairing
Fantastic with seafood, creamy pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or as a solo sipper. The structure and fringe tension make it versatile and compelling.  

Verdict
A graceful Paso Robles white that blends citrus and floral aromatics with subtle spice and refined texture. Tango 2022 dances across the palate—elegant, harmonious, and deliciously moreish. — 12 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Karas Malbec 2023
Ararat Valley, Armavir Region, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A bold single-varietal 100% Malbec from Karas Winery, crafted in the sun-drenched Ararat Valley under the watchful gaze of Mount Ararat. The volcanic soils and continental climate—hot summers, cold winters, and nutrient-rich basalt—lend the wine distinctive character and regional authenticity  .

Aromas & Flavors
Rich aromas of ripe blackberry and dark plum, gently spiced and supported by nuances of tobacco and earth. On the palate—structured with smooth tannins, the fruit is accompanied by hints of five-spice and a whisper of savory complexity  .

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, with a polished texture and harmonious balance. The finish lingers with dark fruit and subtle spice—both generous and refined  .

Winemaking Notes
Hand-harvested and meticulously selected Malbec, fermented in controlled conditions, followed by malolactic fermentation in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal clarity .

Food Pairing
An ideal companion to grilled lamb, roasted duck, mushroom-rich dishes, or barbecued meats—this wine’s dense fruit and structured finish stand up beautifully to bold flavors.

Verdict
A compelling and expressive Armenian Malbec. It balances regional identity with depth and approachability, offering both terroir authenticity and enjoyable modern appeal. — 17 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gevorkian “Hay” Pét-Nat Areni Rosé 2023
Vayots Dzor, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
Made using the ancestral méthode pétillant naturel (Pét-Nat), this lively rosé from Gevorkian Winery offers a fresh spin on ancient Armenian tradition. Crafted from 100% Areni, Armenia’s acclaimed indigenous red grape, grown in the high-altitude, volcanic soils of Vayots Dzor, it beautifully bridges heritage and modern curiosity.  

Aromas & Flavors
A charming pale pink with delicate bubbles. It opens with floral notes and wild meadow flowers, followed by juicy raspberry, strawberry, and red currant. The palate is energized by bright acidity and a silky texture, finishing with a lingering raspberry flourish.  

Mouthfeel
Light, vivacious, and refreshing—elegant bubbles and invigorating acidity enhance its joyful, effortless character. Perfect as a palate cleanser or celebratory pour.  

Winemaking Notes
Pét-Nat style means natural fermentation starts in tank or barrel and finishes in-bottle, creating subtle effervescence without added yeast or sugar. It’s a minimal-intervention wine that stays true to its varietal and soil.  

Food Pairing
A delightful match for fresh spring salads, mezze, sushi, grilled seafood, or light cheeses. Its lively character also makes it perfect for sipping solo or lifting casual gatherings.  

Verdict
Hay Pét-Nat Areni Rosé 2023 is a radiant and expressive natural sparkling wine that puts Armenia—and its revered Areni grape—on the global pét-nat map. A playful, terroir-rich sipper with roots in one of the world’s oldest winemaking cultures. Cheers! — 17 hours ago