Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bodegas Faustino – Faustino V Reserva
Tempranillo-based Blend 2018
DOCa Rioja – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A standout vintage combining freshness, balance, and precision. The 2018 shows the most complete expression among the last two vintages (v16 & v17), harmonizing fruit, oak, and structure beautifully.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh red berries, cherry, subtle vanilla, cedar, and refined spice with a lifted aromatic profile.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, polished tannins, and a beautifully balanced, lingering finish. More energetic and refined than prior vintages.

Food Pairings
Versatile, grilled meats, tapas, roasted vegetables, or even casual pairings.

Verdict
The most complete and balanced of the last two; Fresh, elegant, and structured this is the sweet spot vintage.

Did You Know?
2018 in Rioja is widely regarded as a balanced vintage, offering both freshness and aging potential, often outperforming expectations at this price tier. (I have also reviewed v16 & v17).

🍷 Personal Pick
The winner of the lineup, precision, freshness, and balance all in one. A textbook example of why Rioja Reserva remains one of the best value categories in the world. — 9 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Gambino — “Duvanera” Nero d’Avola 2021 — Sicilia DOC, Sicily. Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A beautifully expressive 100% Nero d’Avola from Sicily, crafted in a style that highlights aromatic intensity and balance over power. Sourced from volcanic-influenced vineyards, this wine leans into perfume, freshness, and approachability while still delivering depth and character.

Aromas & Flavors
Captivating aromatics of ripe red cherry, plum, blackberry, violet, and rose petal, layered with subtle cocoa, spice, and a touch of black pepper.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with smooth, polished tannins and lively acidity. Fruit-forward yet controlled, avoiding any jammy heaviness, with a balanced, clean, and gently persistent finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled meats, pasta with tomato-based sauces, eggplant dishes, or Mediterranean cuisine.

Verdict
Aromatic, elegant, and approachable, a Nero d’Avola that overdelivers by combining expressive fruit with freshness and balance.

Did You Know?
Nero d’Avola thrives in Sicily’s warm climate but can retain freshness and aromatic lift when grown in higher elevations or volcanic soils, giving wines both ripeness and energy.

🍷 Personal Pick
This wine shifted my perspective on fruit-forward styles, the aromatics were so captivating that they elevated the entire experience. Opened it with friends after a lineup of bold wines, and it was the perfect reset: softer, more refined, and exactly what the moment needed. — 8 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Paul Hobbs – Pinot Noir / 2023
Russian River Valley AVA – Sonoma County / California / USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from select vineyard sites across the Russian River Valley. A refined, cool-climate expression that balances depth, structure, and elegance, showcasing Paul Hobbs’ precision-driven style.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and dark cherry, raspberry, and plum, layered with subtle baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of forest floor. Oak is present but beautifully restrained, more of a whisper than a statement.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ body with a silky, polished texture. Structured yet graceful, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine moves seamlessly across the palate, fluid, lifted, and balanced.

Food Pairings
Duck breast, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or earthy dishes with herbs.

Verdict
A Pinot Noir that bridges complexity and drinkability. Layered and structured, yet effortlessly elegant, this is Russian River precision at a high level.

🍷 Did You Know?
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir owes much of its finesse to diurnal shifts, warm days build ripeness, while cool, foggy nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is where Pinot becomes expressive without trying too hard. The oak is dialed in, the texture is silky, and the balance is spot on. It doesn’t shout, it truly danced in my palate! Cheers! — 13 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Monterustico – Langhe Bianco / 2022
Langhe DOC – Piemonte / Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A white blend from Langhe composed primarily of Arneis, complemented by Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Designed to balance local character with freshness and aromatic lift.

Aromas & Flavors
Pear, apple, and citrus layered with subtle herbal tones and a lightly rustic, stony character. A gentle earthiness runs underneath, giving it a distinctive Piedmont identity.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with a slightly textured, almost rustic edge. Bright acidity provides lift and freshness, while the mineral backbone keeps the wine grounded and structured.

Food Pairings
Light salads, fresh cheeses, antipasti, grilled vegetables, or simple seafood dishes.

Verdict
A character-driven white blend that leans into its rustic charm while maintaining freshness and balance. Not flashy, but expressive and food-friendly.

Did You Know?
Arneis, often called “the little rascal” in Piemonte, was historically difficult to grow but is now prized for its soft texture and subtle aromatics, often forming the backbone of Langhe Bianco blends.

🍷 Personal Pick
This wine hits that sweet spot between rustic and refreshing. The stony, slightly rugged texture paired with enough acidity to lift the flavors makes it incredibly snack-friendly. It’s the kind of bottle that quietly elevates simple bites without demanding attention.
— 15 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gérard Bertrand – Orange Gold
Grenache Blanc / Chardonnay / Viognier / Muscat / Gewürztraminer 2023
IGP Pays d’Oc – Languedoc-Roussillon, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A modern French take on orange wine, blending 40% Chardonnay, 30% Grenache Blanc, 15% Viognier, 10% Muscat, and 5% Gewürztraminer. Crafted from organic grapes, this is a skin-contact white that leans more on finesse and aromatic precision than the typical oxidative, apricot-heavy profile.

Aromas & Flavors
Almond skin, citrus peel, orange blossom, white tea, and delicate florals. Subtle spice and aromatic lift from Muscat and Gewürztraminer, with a fresh citrus-driven core rather than dried fruit dominance.

Mouthfeel
Light-to-medium body with a gently textured grip from skin contact. Bright, lively acidity keeps it lifted and clean, with a refined, slightly phenolic edge and a crisp, elegant finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled seafood, Mediterranean dishes, roasted vegetables, spiced couscous, sushi, or soft cheeses. Also shines with aromatic cuisines (Thai, Moroccan, Middle Eastern).

Verdict
A beautifully balanced and approachable introduction to orange wines with a French touch. Less about power, more about nuance and versatility, an exploratory bottle that rewards curiosity.

Did You Know?
Orange wines are not made from oranges, rather, they are white wines fermented with their grape skins, a technique dating back thousands of years to Georgia, giving them structure, color, and complexity.

🍷 Personal Pick
A gateway orange wine that shifts perspective, less about bold fruit, more about aromatics, texture, and elegance. A learning moment in a glass. — 8 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Amici Cellars – Reserve – Pinot Noir / 2024
Russian River Valley – Sonoma County – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A step up in intensity and depth from the 2023 vintage, this 2024 Reserve Pinot Noir delivers a more expressive and layered profile while maintaining the signature balance of Russian River Valley. A vintage that leans slightly more powerful, yet remains polished and precise.

Aromas & Flavors
More pronounced and aromatic than the previous vintage, deep red cherry, black cherry, and raspberry lead, followed by baking spice, subtle vanilla, and a touch of earthy undertones. The nose is lifted, expressive, and immediately engaging.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ body with greater depth and presence. The texture is silky yet more structured than 2023, with refined tannins and vibrant acidity providing lift and direction. The finish is longer, more persistent, and confidently balanced.

Food Pairings
Duck breast, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or herb-driven dishes with earthy components.

Verdict
A more impactful and expressive evolution of the 2023 vintage. Enhanced aromatics, deeper flavor concentration, and a longer finish make this a standout while preserving elegance and drinkability.

🍷 Did You Know?
Vintage variation in Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is heavily influenced by fog patterns and temperature swings—small shifts can significantly impact aromatic intensity and flavor depth, as clearly reflected in this 2024 vintage.

🍷 Personal Pick
This one hits different. Being part of this vintage during my time at Amici Cellars (wine boot camp), it adds a layer of connection that goes beyond the glass. More aromatic, deeper, and more expressive than the 2023, this is a vintage I experienced from both sides, and it shows beautifully.
— 8 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

CrossBarn (Paul Hobbs) – Chardonnay / 2024
Sonoma Coast AVA – California / USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Chardonnay crafted under the CrossBarn label by Paul Hobbs, sourced from select vineyards along the Sonoma Coast. Designed as an accessible, everyday expression while maintaining balance, precision, and coastal freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pineapple, citrus, and stone fruit layered with subtle orchard notes and a hint of coastal minerality. Fruit is present but controlled, leaning fresh rather than opulent.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a soft, polished texture. A steely backbone keeps the wine focused, while the clean mouthfeel and balanced acidity provide lift without sharpness. Smooth from entry to finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled chicken, seafood, light pasta, roasted vegetables, or casual weeknight meals.

Verdict
A thoughtfully made Chardonnay that delivers clarity, balance, and drinkability. Not complex by design, but impressively well-executed for its tier.

Did You Know?
The Sonoma Coast AVA benefits from strong Pacific Ocean influence, which helps preserve acidity and gives wines their signature freshness and structure, especially in Chardonnay.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is what I call an intentional Chardonnay. Steely, clean, and softly textured with just enough tropical fruit to keep it approachable. It’s not trying to impress, it just quietly delivers every time. A true daily companion at a great price point. — 15 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Takara — Mio Sparkling Sake — Japan 🇯🇵

Overview
A lightly sparkling sake crafted in a modern, approachable style, designed to highlight freshness, gentle sweetness, and aromatic lift. With a low 5% ABV, Mio offers a soft, easygoing expression that bridges the gap between traditional sake and sparkling wine.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate notes of white peach, pear, melon, and subtle floral tones, with a light rice-driven sweetness and clean aromatic profile.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied with fine, soft bubbles and a smooth, off-dry texture. The low alcohol and gentle effervescence create a mellow, refreshing feel with a clean, easy finish.

Food Pairings
Sushi, sashimi, tempura, light appetizers, or as an aperitif. Particularly effective at opening a meal.

Verdict
An approachable and enjoyable sparkling sake that delivers freshness, softness, and aromatic charm. Ideal as a light, food-friendly starter.

🍶 Did You Know?
Sparkling sake like Mio is often crafted with lower alcohol and slight residual sugar, making it more approachable and similar in feel to lightly sparkling wines such as Moscato d’Asti.

🍷 Personal Pick
Completely out of my comfort zone, and a pleasant surprise. It set the tone perfectly for a Japanese meal, offering a soft, aromatic, and refreshing start before transitioning into white wines.
— 8 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Trader Joe’s — Reserve Lot #258 Pinot Gris 2025 — Willamette Valley, Oregon. United States 🇺🇸

Overview
A lively and expressive 100% Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, crafted in a fresh, approachable style that overdelivers at its price point. Compared to the previous vintage, the 2025 shows a more savory edge and greater vibrancy right from the first pour.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, ripe pear, green apple, and subtle orchard fruit layered with a lightly savory touch and clean citrus lift.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with bright, energetic acidity. The wine feels more alive and immediately expressive, with a crisp, refreshing texture and a clean, polished finish.

Food Pairings
Light seafood, grilled chicken, salads, picnic fare, or simply on its own as an easy, everyday sipper.

Verdict
A standout value that hits the mark effortlessly. Fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced, this vintage elevates the experience with added liveliness and savory nuance.

Did You Know?
Pinot Gris from cooler climates like Willamette Valley often shows a balance of fresh acidity and subtle savory tones, especially in vintages where ripening conditions preserve both fruit and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick
This vintage really hit the spot, more alive, more savory, and incredibly satisfying from the first sip. At this price, it’s hard to beat.
— 8 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Paul Hobbs – Chardonnay / 2022
Russian River Valley AVA – Sonoma County / California / USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley, where cooling Pacific fog allows for extended hang time and optimal ripening. A flagship-style expression from Paul Hobbs, balancing richness with precision and structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe tropical fruit, pineapple, mango, and citrus, layered with orchard fruit and subtle hints of vanilla, toast, and spice. Aromatics are expressive yet controlled, never overripe.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ to full-bodied with a refined, polished texture. There’s weight and intensity, but beautifully integrated acidity keeps everything in line. Subtle creaminess without excess, leading into a long, smooth, and elegant finish.

Food Pairings
Butter-poached lobster, roasted chicken, creamy pasta, scallops, or elevated seafood dishes.

Verdict
A powerful yet disciplined Chardonnay that showcases precision winemaking. Rich in character without losing balance, this is where intensity meets elegance.

Did You Know?
The Russian River Valley’s signature morning fog (pulled in from the Pacific through the Petaluma Gap) slows ripening, allowing Chardonnay to develop both ripeness and acidity simultaneously, a key to its balance.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is Paul Hobbs in full control. Intense, layered, and polished, yet never heavy-handed. The tropical profile is elevated, the texture is refined, and the finish is impressively long. A Chardonnay that commands attention but delivers it with elegance. — 15 days ago