Freddy R. Troya

9.6

I have made other reviews of the v.2020, but this 2018 vintage is something special, a true winemaker’s year marked by patience, balance, and reward. With a cool, even growing season and no major heat spikes, the fruit from Flora Marie Vineyard was picked at ideal ripeness, and it shows in every sip.

This Chardonnay is a masterclass in restraint and purity, offering a mineral-driven core laced with delicate salinity and soft white florals on the nose.

The palate is layered and evolving—baked pineapple, citrus zest, and yellow pear glide across a silky medium-to-full-bodied frame, all carried by a sense of poise and structure. The finish is long, clean, and quietly complex, never overreaching but deeply memorable.

Grafted from Montrachet clones (within Côte d’Or, specifically Côte de Beaune) onto the ridgelines of Russian River Valley, this bottling is a rare harmony of Burgundian heritage and Sonoma expression. If you find a bottle, don’t hesitate. It’s a wine that speaks for itself far beyond what words can express. Cheers! — 14 days ago

Kenneth

9.2

Deep ruby, 14.5% , bold, strong tannic, intense structure, black fruit, , not jammy, oak, tobacco, leather, vanilla, long finish, very good wine, bought $55 — 3 months ago

Paul K

9.4

Too early but trying before I buy more. Stellar. Lots of upside. Dark. Sticky. Reminds me of a ‘13 Cor Leonis a little. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

A typical Sonoma Coast AVA Chardonnay, uplifting acidity, baked pear, and some hint of ripen tropical fruits. Feels just a touch of custard cream and subtle toasted nuts. Dry enough to keep sipping and pairing with roasted veggies and light fish appetizers. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

This lively V.2024, 100% Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc from Napa Valley is crafted in extremely limited quantities!
A bright, energetic Sauvignon Blanc from Rutherford, bursting with freshness. Zesty lemongrass leads the nose, followed by a clean, smooth mouthfeel and just the right lift of acidity.

It’s crisp yet elegant, with a great texture as it was spent short period of time in 30% French oak and the rest was in stainless tanks. Great polished finish that makes it a standout for food pairing. Try it with arugula and goat cheese salad and walnuts or a perfectly cooked sockeye salmon with capers and onions, this wine knows how to complement without overpowering.

A go-to white worth chasing down before it vanishes. Cheers! — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

The 2022 vintage brings a lusher, more fruit-forward take on this consistently excellent Napa Cab. Dense aromas of dark cherry, plum, and cocoa lead into a generous palate of blackberry, dark chocolate, and well-integrated toasty oak.

Silky tannins and a long, lingering finish give it both immediate appeal and aging potential. Fuller, creamier, and more open-knit than the 2021, this is a cork-and-pour Cabernet, no decanting needed. Rich, polished, and ready to impress now. Cheers! — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

A very expressive Chardonnay from a single vineyard in Sonoma considered one of the top sites in California. Powerful but not overwhelming on the nose and palate. Shows its multiple tropical fruit notes on both nose and palate. Since it’s 100% barrel fermented with native yeast and full of malolactic, it provides a great level of complexity. The creaminess is balanced and has some weight to it. Long finish and pleasant mouthfeel with a great texture. A show stopper!
— 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

A standout vintage that reflects both elegance and power, the 2022 Reserve Cab is a masterfully detailed expression of Napa Valley. On the nose, it’s rich and complex, black cherry, blueberry, spearmint, cocoa, and coffee swirl with subtle notes of violet, vanilla, and cassis.

The palate follows with ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, baking spice, and refined toasty oak. Full-bodied and multi-layered, it delivers great acidity, polished tannins, and impressive age-worthiness, easily 15+ years. Crafted under the expert hand of Tony Biaggi, this wine is a bold yet graceful benchmark for modern Napa Cabernet. Simply lovely! — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Crafted from premier vineyard sites in Russian River Valley, this 100% Pinot Noir captures the hallmark vibrancy of the region. Fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak, the wine is beautifully balanced, offering layers of blackberry, raspberry, and subtle toasty oak.

Medium-plus in body with moderate tannins, the mouthfeel is smooth, polished, and appetizing from start to finish. It’s drinking beautifully now, but has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–7 years. A confident, fruit-forward Pinot with elegance and aging potential. Cheers! — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

A highly aromatic Pinot Noir, dark cherry-driven, fruity and fresh. It’s in the jammy side when opened, but give it some time to breath (an hour) and it will show its amazing flavors of cinnamon and red fruits with an uplifting and refreshing acidity. It can age well, but the 2023 vintage is ready to go. Loved the finish! — 4 months ago