Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Fotsch – Albariño – 2022
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
From a boutique family-run winery nestled between St. Helena and Calistoga, this limited-production Albariño is a rare California expression of a grape better known for its Atlantic roots. Crafted in small quantities, it captures the bright energy of Napa sunshine with a coastal soul.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant aromas of pineapple, lychee, and lemon zest, complemented by hints of white peach and tropical flowers. On the palate, juicy citrus meets ripe orchard fruit, framed by refreshing minerality.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a clean, zesty texture. The finish is long and lively, echoing with tropical brightness and saline freshness.

Food Pairings
Perfect for sunny afternoons with ceviche, shrimp tacos, grilled halibut, or citrusy salads. A delightful companion to sushi or goat cheese crostini.

Verdict
A refreshing and joyful Albariño, rare for Napa Valley, yet beautifully executed. Its balance of tropical fruit and coastal-like crispness makes it a standout among California whites. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Albariño, native to Galicia, Spain, thrives in cooler climates, which makes its appearance in Napa Valley particularly unique. The grape’s natural acidity translates beautifully when grown in Napa’s northern pockets where fog and elevation temper the heat.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This one truly screams sunny afternoon, lively, juicy, and full of personality. Proof that Albariño can shine brilliantly even far from the Iberian coast. — 14 days ago

Todd Scurci

9.6

#californiacab — 12 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Fotsch – Sauvignon Blanc – 2022
Mendocino County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A crisp, small-lot Sauvignon Blanc from Mendocino County, crafted in a lean, mineral-driven style. This boutique release from Fotsch shows the purity and tension of cool-climate fruit, balancing intensity with finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Vivid aromatics of lime zest, gooseberry, and green apple, layered with fresh-cut grass and subtle hints of grapefruit peel. On the palate, it’s clean and zippy, with notes of lemon pith, passionfruit, and a whisper of wet stone.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied yet energetic, showing steely precision and refreshing acidity. The finish is brisk, citrusy, and mouthwatering, a true palate cleanser.

Food Pairings
Perfect with oysters, goat cheese crostini, grilled asparagus, or ceviche. Also a fine match for a citrus herb chicken salad or sushi rolls.

Verdict
A lively, steely Sauvignon Blanc that captures Mendocino’s coastal freshness. Grassy, punchy, and full of verve, it’s sunshine bottled with a cool breeze.

Did You Know?
Mendocino County’s diurnal shift, warm days followed by chilly nights, helps Sauvignon Blanc retain its crisp acidity while developing layers of tropical and herbal character.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Grassy and zesty in all the right ways, a small-batch gem that punches above its weight. One sip, and you’re instantly refreshed. — 14 days ago

Laura Lisowski

9.8

New fave from Sausalito — 12 years ago

Rochelle

9.3

Full bodied and sophisticated dark fruit I haven’t had a wine as well integrated as this I just can’t put my finger on it but it has a Remarkable smoothness incorporated with light crushed white pepper blackberry and dry blueberry  — 5 years ago

Jason Macomb

9.0

Great red blend for any occasion — 9 years ago