Freddy R. Troya

9.1

FONCASTEL – Picpoul de Pinet 2024
AOP Picpoul de Pinet – Languedoc, France 🇫🇷

Overview
From vineyards near the village of Montagnac, this classic southern French white delivers the refreshing character Picpoul is known for.

Aromas & Flavors
Crisp green apple, citrus zest, and a touch of saline minerality. Clean and lively with a seaside freshness.

Mouthfeel
Bright, zippy acidity with a light body that keeps the wine super easy to drink. Very quaffable and refreshing.

Food Pairings
Perfect with oysters, grilled shrimp, mussels, or simply enjoyed chilled on a sunny patio.

Verdict
A delightful expression of Picpoul de Pinet, straightforward, crisp, and made for seafood lovers and warm afternoons.

Did You Know?
The name Picpoul literally means “lip stinger” in Occitan, a nod to the grape’s naturally high acidity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A fantastic patio companion, crispy, fresh, and wonderfully drinkable. Cheers! — a day ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Carmen – Sauvignon Blanc Gran Reserva 2025
Casablanca Valley – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
A refreshing and youthful 100% Sauvignon Blanc from one of Chile’s premier cool-climate regions. Casablanca Valley is known for its coastal influence and ocean breezes that give whites their piercing freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Classic grassy notes, an abundance of passion fruit, and a sharp lemon peel zest that lingers persistently. Bright and aromatic with a clean edge.

Mouthfeel
Crisp, zesty, and linear in structure. The acidity is razor-sharp, carrying the citrus and tropical fruit flavors through a refreshing finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside ceviche, sushi, goat cheese salads, or even grilled asparagus.

Verdict
A vibrant Sauvignon Blanc that screams coastal freshness—youthful, sharp, and highly refreshing.

Did You Know?
Casablanca Valley is one of Chile’s first coastal appellations to gain worldwide recognition, pioneering cool-climate winemaking in the country in the 1980s. — 4 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Grandes Terres – Côtes du Rhône Blanc “Urban Series” 2021
Côtes du Rhône AOP – Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A beautifully assembled white Rhône blend: 40% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne, 10% Roussanne, 10% Viognier. Crafted from old vines, this cuvée reflects the traditional richness of the region, yet under the winery’s playful “Urban Series” concept that frames it as fresh, modern, and “à la française.”

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate floral notes leap from the glass, followed by ripe stone fruit, honeysuckle, and citrus zest. The Viognier adds a whisper of apricot, while the Marsanne and Roussanne bring subtle almond and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Lively acidity cuts through a rounded, silky texture. The balance is superb, vibrant up front with a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with Provençal cuisine , think grilled sea bass, herb-marinated chicken, or a classic Niçoise salad. It also shines on its own as a polished aperitif.

Verdict
A Rhône white that keeps you hooked sip after sip. Authentic yet stylish, it showcases the charm of blending tradition with a modern edge.

Did You Know?
Clairette, which makes up nearly half of this blend, is one of the oldest authorized white grapes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Historically prized for its freshness and lift, it was often used to balance richer varietals like Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, a tradition still alive in Rhône whites today. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gérard Bertrand – Oriane Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Pays d’Oc IGP – Sud de France 🇫🇷

Overview
A 100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Languedoc region, crafted by Gérard Bertrand, one of the most influential winemakers of Southern France. This bottling aims for freshness and approachability, showing off the Mediterranean take on the grape.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon peel, citrus zest, and a touch of white peach. Less grassy than Loire styles, more on the ripe and sunny side with a clean, fruit-forward lift.

Mouthfeel
Light, crisp, and refreshing. Zippy acidity keeps it lively without being sharp.

Food Pairings
Perfect with goat cheese, grilled shrimp, summer salads, or a simple plate of oysters.

Verdict
An easy-drinking Sauvignon Blanc with Mediterranean charm, approachable, vibrant, and uncomplicated. A casual, crowd-pleasing white from a master of the region. Cheers! — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

El Esteco – Torrontés 2024
Valles Calchaquíes, Salta – Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview
An expressive Torrontés sourced from two extreme high-altitude vineyards in Salta—Chañar Punco (+2,000m) and Cafayate Valley (+1,700m). These altitudes rank among the highest vineyards in the world, bringing extraordinary freshness and intensity to the grape.

Aromas & Flavors
Vivid notes of lime zest, orange peel, and honeysuckle, accented by white flowers and a touch of tropical lychee. The aromatic lift is both exotic and elegant.

Mouthfeel
Light yet rounded, with crisp acidity balancing a soft, fleshy texture. Clean, refreshing, and persistent on the finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent with ceviche, Thai curry, or empanadas salteñas. Also perfect as a standalone aperitif on a warm day.

Verdict
A vibrant, high-altitude Torrontés that captures both freshness and aromatic charm. Fans of Viognier will find familiar pleasure in its floral exuberance and rounded texture.

Did You Know?
Salta’s Valles Calchaquíes boast vineyards among the world’s loftiest, where strong sunlight and cool nights create wines of striking aromatic intensity and balance.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
For me, Torrontés is one of Argentina’s most distinctive calling cards. This 2024 bottling shows exactly why—it’s not just a white wine, it’s an experience of altitude, purity, and personality. — 4 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Bodega Garzón – Tannat de Corte 2019
Maldonado – Uruguay 🇺🇾

Overview
80% Tannat, 12% Marselan, 4% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot. A thoughtful estate blend from Uruguay’s flagship winery, Garzón, showcasing both structure and elegance.

Aromas & Flavors:
Dark plum, blackberry compote, and cassis with hints of cocoa, dried herbs, and a whisper of violet. The supporting grapes add depth: Marselan contributes juiciness, Cabernet Franc adds lift, and Petit Verdot layers in spice and grip.

Mouthfeel:
Concentrated and structured with firm tannins yet polished texture. Balanced acidity frames the fruit, giving the wine freshness alongside its power.

Food Pairings:
Perfect with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, or rich stews. Can also handle aged cheeses and charcuterie.

Verdict:
A benchmark for modern Uruguayan reds, bold yet refined. The Tannat is dominant, but the blend makes it more approachable and layered than a pure varietal bottling. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Uruguay is the only country in the world where Tannat is the national grape. Thanks to the Atlantic Ocean breezes in Maldonado, tannins here are more polished compared to their French counterparts from Madiran. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Mascota Vineyards – Unánime Malbec 2021
Mendoza – Argentina 🇦🇷

Overview
From high-elevation vineyards in Mendoza, this Malbec captures the richness of the region’s mountain terroir. Mascota Vineyards is known for crafting bold yet approachable wines, and this vintage stays true to that style.

Aromas & Flavors
A medley of blackberry, blueberry, and dark plum layered with hints of cocoa and spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus tannins give it grip, while the ripe fruit and solid structure make it rich and satisfying without being overly heavy.

Food Pairings
Grilled steak (the Argentine classic), BBQ ribs, roasted lamb, or even hard cheeses like aged Manchego or Gouda.

Verdict
A solid, fruit-forward Malbec that delivers the richness and dark fruit character Mendoza is famous for. Reliable and enjoyable — a hearty red that doesn’t disappoint. Cheers! — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Keepa – Carménère 2024
Central Valley – Chile 🇨🇱

Overview
Made from 100% Carménère, this approachable red represents the heart of Chile’s Central Valley. The region’s warm days and cool nights give the grape its signature juicy fruit and soft tannin profile.

Aromas & Flavors
A medley of ripe berries, blackberry, blueberry, and red plum with a touch of spice and earthy undertones.

Mouthfeel
Silky and rounded, with soft tannins and a fresh, easygoing structure. Balanced acidity keeps the fruit lively from start to finish.

Food Pairings
Ideal with grilled lamb chops, roasted pork, empanadas, or charcuterie. Its juicy fruit also makes it a friendly partner for casual BBQ nights.

Verdict
A charming, versatile Carménère that captures the grape’s best qualities , juicy, smooth, and easy to love. A solid everyday Chilean red.
— 4 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve – lot #113, Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Oakville, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Part of Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve series, this Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the prestigious Oakville AVA in Napa Valley, an area known for producing bold, cellar-worthy wines. 2021 was a warm vintage, contributing to the richness and power in the glass.

Aromas & Flavors
Licorice, red berries, and touches of leather. The fruit comes across polished and juicy, with velvety undertones.

Mouthfeel
Structured yet approachable, with polished tannins and a mouthwatering, lingering finish. Napa Valley floor character shows here with bolder intensity.

Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or even a charcuterie board that includes aged gouda or manchego.

Verdict
A surprisingly affable and delicious Cab, great value for Oakville fruit, and fun to serve blind (as it can surprise many with its quality). Cheers!

Did You Know?
Oakville’s fame comes not only from its terroir but also from its neighbors—many world-class estates like Opus One and Harlan are rooted here, driving the area’s reputation for powerhouse Cabernet Sauvignon.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
I poured this blind for friends, and everyone was amazed—no one guessed it was a Trader Joe’s Platinum Reserve. Proof that some hidden gems in Napa still sneak through at unbeatable value. — 5 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Bodega Garzón – Pinot Noir Single Vineyard 2016
Maldonado – Uruguay 🇺🇾

Overview:
From Uruguay’s coastal Maldonado region, Garzón has become a global ambassador for South American wines beyond Tannat. This single vineyard Pinot Noir reflects the cooling influence of the Atlantic breezes and the mineral-rich soils of the estate.

Aromas & Flavors:
Bright red cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry, laced with floral notes of violets and subtle hints of spice and earth.

Mouthfeel:
Silky and balanced, with moderate acidity and a rounded structure. Freshness from the coastal terroir keeps the wine lively while allowing the fruit to shine.

Food Pairings:
Perfect with roasted chicken, mushroom-based pasta, grilled salmon, or a charcuterie plate with soft cheeses.

Verdict:
A refined expression of Pinot Noir that shows Uruguay can deliver elegance and complexity beyond its flagship Tannat. Structured yet approachable, with admirable freshness.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
A standout Pinot Noir from South America’s rising star region, showcasing Garzón’s innovative spirit and Uruguay’s cool-climate potential. — 7 days ago