Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Rocca Felice – Nebbiolo d’Alba – 2023
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC – Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A regional expression of Nebbiolo crafted in a more approachable, early-drinking style. While rooted in Piedmont tradition, this bottling leans toward accessibility, offering a softer and more casual interpretation of the grape.

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruit profile with cherry, raspberry, and subtle cranberry notes. Light hints of rose petal and a touch of tartness are present, though not as pronounced or intense as in more structured Nebbiolo styles.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and fresh acidity. Noticeably softer and more rounded than classic Barolo/Barbaresco expressions, making it easygoing and immediately drinkable.

Food Pairings
Pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, charcuterie, or casual Italian fare. Also works nicely as a standalone sipper for relaxed evenings.

Verdict
A truly Piedmontese yet approachable Nebbiolo—m, juicy, affable, and tasty. It tones down the grape’s typical intensity, making it perfect for casual drinking without losing its regional identity.

Did You Know?
Nebbiolo d’Alba often offers a more accessible entry point into Nebbiolo compared to Barolo or Barbaresco, with earlier drinkability while still showcasing the grape’s signature character.

🍷 Personal Pick
My “pizza night Nebbiolo”, all the charm, none of the intimidation. Cheers! — a month 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. — 2 years ago

with Anita

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Dark amethyst. Inviting, voluptuous nose of blackberry and violets. Echoed on the medium full, fruit-forward palate adding juicy black cherry and a hint of earthenware. Medium tannins and medium plus acidity. Excellent Dundee Hills PN that's a great foil for almost any fare, but with enough fruit for on its own drinking. A bridge between California and Burgundy. Drink now through 2026 or even a bit beyond. — 4 years 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.
— 2 months ago

Kristin Cancellieri

9.1

Excellent special wine, paired with classic steakhouse fare. — 5 months ago

Louis Martin

9.1

Sweet, light, burst of cherry, with slightly bitter aftertaste. Goes well with classic Italian fare (we paired with spaghetti and Turkey meatballs). — 3 years ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Deep, glass-clinging red purple with near black core. Peppery boysenberry rules the abundant nose. Echoed on the full-bodied palate along with ashen leather (leathery ash?) and black cranberry. Juicy medium acidity. Medium plus, non-aggressive tannins. A classic Gigondas from a world class producer of same. Hearty winter and early spring fare (I’m having pot roast) will shine, but feel free to let this upscale your cookout! Drink now through 2030. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Cantemerle 2023 – Haut-Médoc, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A beautifully expressive Left Bank blend of Cabernet Sauvignon 71%, Merlot 18%, Petit Verdot 7%, and Cabernet Franc 4% that delivers immediate charm while retaining classic Haut-Médoc structure and aging potential. The wine shows vibrant fruit purity, polished tannins, and a well-judged touch of oak, making it approachable young yet capable of evolving gracefully over the coming decade.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe blackberry, black cherry, cassis, and plum layered with subtle cedar, vanilla spice, graphite, and a gentle floral lift. Fresh berry brightness carries through the palate, framed by light savory notes and a refined oak accent that enhances rather than dominates.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with supple texture and finely integrated tannins. Juicy, energetic entry with excellent balance between fruit concentration and freshness. Smooth mid-palate flow and a clean, persistent finish that stays lively and inviting.

Food Pairings
Grilled steak, roast chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, charcuterie boards, aged Gruyère or Comté, and classic bistro fare. A versatile table wine that shines across a wide range of savory dishes.

🍷 Personal Pick
Cantemerle never disappoints, this is pure drinking pleasure wrapped in Bordeaux elegance. Juicy, polished, and instantly enjoyable, yet grounded with just enough structure to remind you why Haut-Médoc remains timeless. A perfect bottle when you want serious pedigree without serious effort.

Did You Know?
Château Cantemerle is classified as a Fifth Growth in the historic 1855 Bordeaux Classification and is known for producing some of the most consistently approachable and age-worthy wines of the Médoc, often offering outstanding value relative to its pedigree. — 5 months ago

Byron C Mayes

9.0

Dark red purple with near black core. Inviting nose and medium full palate of black currant, burnt plum, and light tar with medium acidity and lip smacking, medium plus tannins, all carried through the medium long finish. That finish is dark and site particularly prominently mid-tongue. A steak wine without question, but also at home with a wide range of hearty and rustic fare. Drink now through 2028. — 3 years ago

Byron C Mayes

8.9

Classic volcanic red. Dark garnet. Abundant nose of blackberry tea, brick, and red apple peel. Echoed on the medium palate with juicy medium plus acidity and fine, earthen medium tannins. Palate continues through the dark and lengthy finish. What Etna is all about. Juicy, earthen fruit that's a fine accompaniment to almost any red wine (and some white wine) fare. Great alternative to Pinot Noir or Garnacha. Drink now through 2026. — 4 years ago