Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gambino Vini – Tifeo Etna Bianco 2023
Etna DOC, Sicily – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A striking white blend from the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, crafted with 72% Carricante and 28% Catarratto, two of Sicily’s most important indigenous grapes. Etna Bianco wines are fast becoming symbols of Italy’s volcanic terroirs, delivering mineral-driven, authentic expressions far from mainstream white styles.

Aromas & Flavors
Expressive and layered, offering citrus zest, green apple, and pear, complemented by wild herbs and subtle floral tones. A hint of saline minerality underscores the volcanic origin, while a smoky whisper adds complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a lingering citrus-stone finish. Textured yet refreshing, it balances richness and precision beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
High-altitude vineyards on Etna’s northern slopes provide cool nights and intense sun exposure, yielding grapes with freshness and concentration.

Food Pairing
Perfect with seafood pasta, grilled swordfish, Sicilian caponata, or fresh cheeses. A versatile choice that can elevate both traditional Sicilian fare and modern pairings.

Verdict
A compelling introduction to Etna’s whites: mineral, distinctive, and deeply expressive. For wine lovers seeking to explore volcanic terroirs, this is a must-try.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why This Can Age
Carricante, Etna’s flagship white grape, has been cultivated for over 1,000 years. With naturally high acidity and strong minerality, it develops honeyed, nutty, and petrol-like complexity over time, much like Riesling. While delicious now, top Etna Bianco blends like this can age gracefully for 7–10 years, layering depth without losing freshness. Cheers! — a month ago

Ben Allee

9.0

Subtle and smooth, bright and buttery, one of the most solid whites we've had in a while. Great all-around pick to elevate a weekend meal. — 8 months ago

Ericsson

9.3

So much going on this, but most notable is the pronounced savory cola note on the mid plate, maybe more time will subdue it and elevate it. Great wine balanced and earthy. — a year ago

Carla

9.9

Elevate holiday party — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Corley Yewell Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Saint Helena AVA, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Crafted by Chris Corley, one of Napa’s most consistent and visionary winemakers, this single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from the Yewell Vineyard in Saint Helena, a site known for its intensity and structure. The 2018 vintage was one of Napa’s most balanced years in recent memory, giving this wine both depth and refinement.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with a generous nose of blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum layered with dark chocolate, graphite, and subtle cigar box spice. On the palate, concentrated black fruits mingle with licorice, espresso, and a faint herbal lift, showing both power and finesse.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with a muscular yet polished tannin structure, seamless integration of oak, and a long, velvety finish. The balance of fruit intensity, acidity, and texture makes this Cabernet age-worthy but approachable with decanting.

Winemaking Notes
Aged in French oak, with Chris Corley’s hallmark precision of blending power and elegance, the wine showcases both vineyard expression and vintage purity.

Food Pairing
Ideal with ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-roasted lamb. It can also elevate a cheese course with aged Gouda or blue cheese.

Verdict
A masterful Napa Cabernet from an exceptional vintage — bold yet graceful, structured yet inviting. One of those bottles that reminds you why Napa’s single-vineyard expressions stand among the world’s great wines.

Personal Pick Highlight
I’ve had the privilege of sharing a wine class with Chris Corley himself, and that connection makes tasting his wines even more special. His precision, humility, and brilliance shine through in every bottle — this one included. Truly spectacular. Cheers — 2 months ago

Jay Kline

9.3

Opened and decanted about an hour prior to service and presented double-blind. The wine appears deep yellow nearing gold in color; medium+ viscosity. On the nose, the wine is vinous and super floral with peaches and marzipan and some signs of oak, a portion new French oak. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium- acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, weighty with a pronounced oily texture. Alcohol is elevated. I called Marsanne/Roussanne blend from France, Northern Rhône, Hermitage Blanc with 15+ years of age. Close! The florals and elevate alcohol should have steered me to Condrieu but that’s hindsight. Regardless, this was a delicious reminder to allow Northern Rhône whites to age. Drink now. — a year ago

Steven Beishuizen

8.9

On the nose, this is all red current... Raspberry takes over for me on the palate... Tart but not overly acidic. Graphite. Light vegetal. Tannins are smoothe... Red plum skins. Very powdery pepper. The finish is just medium and there the raspberry turns more candied or artificial. We paired with serious BBQ fare... Brisket and smoked chicken legs... I think the raspberry notes here really worked with the BBQ as we didn't include any rich molasses-y BBQ sauces. The Greek origin of the wine had me include quite a bit of oregano in the rub for the chicken which also seemed to elevate with the wine. — a year ago

with Anita

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Stags’ Leap Chardonnay 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A complex and elegant Chardonnay, made with a touch of Viognier (1%), aged in a thoughtful mix of French oak (50% neutral, 25% new) and stainless steel. This approach keeps it bright and fresh, while still offering richness and depth—a classic Napa Valley balance.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose: lemon crème, white pineapple, melon, and delicate citrus blossoms and magnolia flowers.
On the palate: Golden Delicious apple, Asian pear, lemon curd, with accents of vanilla, brioche toast, ginger, and an exotic lift of lychee.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and creamy, with a long, satisfying finish. The minerality adds freshness, while the oak provides subtle spice and structure.

Winemaking Notes
100% Chardonnay + 1% Viognier, aged for 4.5 months in oak & stainless steel. Native malolactic fermentation balances creaminess with acidity.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled scallops, lobster tail, or white sea delicacies. Can also elevate creamy pasta or roasted chicken with herbs.

Verdict
A gorgeous Chardonnay—rich, floral, and layered, but still refreshing. A wine that shows Napa’s finesse while keeping an approachable style. — 3 months ago

Mo

9.1

More time in the bottle would likely elevate my rating, per other reviews below…

WS: 94. Stitched with pure cherry and raspberry fruit, this red is supple and fragrant, showing lovely harmony. Mineral, tar and eucalyptus accents add detail. There's plenty of structure, with vibrant acidity and refined tannins focusing the finish. Elegant, with the potential to develop over the next two decades. Best from 2027 through 2045. 5,800 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.

JS: 93. There is a rustic, iron-like, rugged quality to this full-bodied and firmly tannic wine that will mellow somewhat with time. But enjoy it for the balsam, tar and red cherry aromas that lead to a meaty, mineral palate. Best from 2027. — 4 months ago

Shay A

9.2

If you can calibrate your mind for Turley (or Zins in general), these are fun and hedonistic wines to simply enjoy.

My first experience with the Turley Dusi. Initial impression is this has Paso all over it (as it should, since it’s a Paso vineyard) with a sense of weightless gravitas. Wave after wave of ripe fruits from the entire spectrum (red, blue and black berry fruits), cedar, espresso all on the nose. Little bit of EA sharpness (as I’ve found common with Turley) but only at levels to elevate the aromatics, not enough to detract from the overall profile. Mixed berry pie richness on the palate with more cedar, spiced plum, dark cocoa and just a faint profile of chewing tobacco leaves (not sure if that’s the profile of Dusi, or if that’s evolution after almost 8yrs). ABV is noticeable when warm but drinks nice closer to cellar temp. Pop corks and enjoy over the next few years. — a year ago