Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château de Rully – Clos La Bressande Monopole – Rully 1er Cru – 2022
Rully Premier Cru AOP – Côte Chalonnaise – Burgundy – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A Premier Cru 100% Chardonnay sourced from the monopole vineyard Clos La Bressande, offering full estate control from vineyard to bottle. The 2022 vintage brings slightly more ripeness and generosity while maintaining the hallmark precision and mineral expression of Rully.

Aromas & Flavors
Citrus zest, green apple, and ripe pear lead the profile, with a touch more fruit generosity compared to cooler vintages. Crushed stone minerality and a subtle floral lift add definition and elegance.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with bright, refreshing acidity. The 2022 vintage shows a slightly rounder texture, yet remains precise and tension-driven. Clean, crisp, and lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Oysters, grilled fish, sushi, goat cheese, or herb-driven dishes. Also works beautifully with lighter cream-based sauces thanks to its added vintage generosity.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced Chardonnay that blends precision with a touch more approachability from the 2022 vintage. Mineral-driven, elegant, and highly drinkable, an elevated Burgundy experience without stretching the budget.

Did You Know?
A monopole vineyard is owned entirely by a single producer —rare in Burgundy—allowing complete control over viticulture and winemaking, often resulting in a highly consistent and expressive wine.

🍷 Personal Pick
Still firmly in my style, clean, mineral, and refined, but the 2022 adds a touch of charm and roundness that makes it even more versatile and immediately enjoyable. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château Fourcas Dupré – 2021
Listrac-Médoc – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A Left Bank classic from Listrac-Médoc, where gravelly soils meet clay-limestone for structured, age-worthy wines. The estate’s V.2021 blend is comprised of Cabernet Sauvignon 54%, Merlot 45% and Petit Verdot 1%. 2021 was a challenging, cooler vintage, producing fresher, leaner profiles with elegant structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, cassis, and blackberry, layered with notes of cedar, tobacco leaf, graphite, and a hint of violet.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with firm yet polished tannins, good freshness, and a mineral-driven edge. This vintage leans more classic and restrained compared to riper recent years.

Food Pairings; Roast lamb with rosemary, duck breast, entrecôte bordelaise. Beef stew, cassoulet, mushroom ragout. Tomme de Savoie, aged Gouda, firm sheep’s milk cheeses.

Verdict
A terroir-driven Médoc showing the cooler vintage’s hallmark freshness and precision. While not as plush as warmer years, it’s beautifully balanced, approachable now, and may develop nicely over the next decade. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Château Fourcas Dupré traces its roots back to 1843 and has long been a benchmark for the Listrac-Médoc appellation, often referred to as the “Pomerol of the Médoc” thanks to its higher Merlot proportion compared to its Left Bank neighbors.
— 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Merry Edwards – Pinot Noir “Meredith Estate” 2011
Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma – USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
From one of California’s pioneering female winemakers, this estate Pinot Noir highlights the depth and elegance of Russian River Valley fruit. Crafted in the méthode à l’ancienne, it reflects a hands-on, traditional approach that balances richness with finesse.

Aromas & Flavors:
Ripe cherry, black plum, and wild strawberry layered with rose petals, forest floor, and a hint of baking spice. Subtle notes of cocoa and cola emerge with air.

Mouthfeel:
Fuller-bodied than many Pinots, with velvety tannins and remarkable depth. The palate combines juicy red fruit brightness with earthy undertones and a lingering, warm finish.

Food Pairings:
Duck breast with cherry glaze, mushroom risotto, or roasted salmon. For cheese lovers, try with brie or camembert.

Verdict:
A bold and expressive Pinot Noir, showing the hallmark concentration of Merry Edwards’ style. At over a decade old, it has softened beautifully, yet still holds vibrancy and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
A memorable vintage that demonstrates how Russian River Pinot Noir can age gracefully. A true collector’s gem from one of California’s most respected winemakers. — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Domaine Derey Frères – Marsannay “Les Vignes Marie” 2021 🇫🇷
Marsannay AOC, Côte de Nuits – Burgundy, France

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from Marsannay, the only Côte de Nuits village allowed to produce wines in all three colors (red, white, and rosé). “Les Vignes Marie” is a standout parcel that shows the classic finesse of Burgundy Pinot while keeping Marsannay’s hallmark freshness and approachability.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry lead the nose, with hints of rose petal, subtle spice, and earthy forest floor. A touch of mineral undertone brings lift and precision.

Mouthfeel
Elegant and medium-bodied with silky tannins, lively acidity, and a refined structure. Balanced and supple, finishing with freshness that keeps you coming back for another sip.

Winemaking Notes
The Derey family has been established in Marsannay since the mid-17th century, and their work focuses on organic farming and gentle cellar practices. The 2021 vintage, cooler and classic in style, emphasizes delicacy over power.

Food Pairing
Perfect with roast chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, or a charcuterie board. Its finesse makes it versatile across light meats and earthy vegetarian dishes.

Verdict
A graceful Burgundy Pinot that captures Marsannay’s balance between Côte de Nuits structure and charming approachability. For me, this sits as one of my most favorite wines in the Côte de Nuits — at a very affordable price point, it punches well above its weight and shows how Burgundy can still deliver tremendous value.

📚 Educational Sidebar – Why Marsannay Matters
Marsannay, at the northern gateway of the Côte de Nuits, is often overshadowed by its neighbors like Gevrey-Chambertin. But its wines deliver exceptional value, showing Pinot Noir with purity, finesse, and terroir character — a smart entry point into Burgundy without the Grand Cru price tag. Cheers! — 9 months ago

Jakub Kalinowski

9.0

A nice CS/Sangiovese blend from around Pisa.
Very interesting how this evolves in the glass with the character of the two grapes coming out to shine and fading - sometimes this is very much reminiscent of a northern Medoc with gravelly black currants, a few minutes later the hallmark tomato leaf + some rusticity of Sangiovese emerges.
On the palate this is quite firm with a proper tannic frame filled with black cherry & black currant and juicy acidity.
Good depth & length and surprisingly youthful. — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

9.0

Talk about a singular expression of Pinot Noir. A pale gold coloring with effusive creaminess and a nice stream of very small bubbles. The aromas are a bit muted upon opening with just a bit of apple goodness to start the show. But let it sit for a while in a larger bowl and you’ll be rewarded. Warm cinnamon and crusty bread. Roasted nuts and blackberries all day long. There’s some fresh cherry and plenty salinity to boot.

Single vintage, single varietal, single vineyard. The hallmark of Jerome Coessens. 100% Pinot Noir from the lieu-dit of Largillier. The fruit hails from the plots that he has dubbed Fruit and Flower and that’s amazingly accurate. The amount of yellow fruit and floral notes are just ethereal in nature. The acidity borders on “racy” but instead settles on “zippy” which is just fine.

The attack is one that is quite pointed and full of finesse. It’s a very generous champagne that grows by leaps and bounds over time in the glass. An abundance of red and yellow fruits along with black pepper and dried herbs. Very fruity on the long finish with an added kick of spice. Singular and gorgeous. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.6

Winderlea – Pinot Noir – 2021
Dundee Hills AVA – Willamette Valley, Oregon 🇺🇸

Overview
An elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir from Dundee Hills, sourced from vineyards planted in the 1970s on the region’s hallmark volcanic Jory soils. Known for finesse and purity, Winderlea delivers a beautifully balanced expression of Pinot that showcases the red-fruited, spice-laced personality that defines classic Dundee Hills.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, wild raspberry, and cranberry purity, supported by notes of rose petal, subtle baking spice, and a whisper of forest floor. Nothing jammy, everything is lifted, clean, and precise.

Mouthfeel
Ultra-silky tannins with a soft, seamless texture. High, clean acidity keeps the wine energetic, refreshing, and food-loving. The finish is long, elegant, and gently spiced.

Food Pairings
The ultimate fondue Pinot: the wine’s acidity cuts through melted cheese, while its soft tannins and red-fruit delicacy elevate Gruyère, Emmental, raclette, or alpine-style cheeses. Also wonderful with mushroom dishes, roasted poultry, charcuterie boards, or herbed salmon.

Verdict
A benchmark Dundee Hills Pinot, refined, understated, and deeply expressive. Its purity of fruit, silky frame, and signature volcanic spice make it one of the most fondue-friendly reds in the game. A true pleasure to drink.

Did You Know?
Dundee Hills’ iconic red Jory soils, ancient volcanic ash, are famous for imprinting Pinot with subtle cinnamon-clove spice and a natural roundness. Many of Oregon’s pioneering vineyards were planted here in the 1970s specifically for these qualities.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: My go-to Pinot Noir for fondue night, nothing pairs better with alpine cheese than Dundee Hills elegance. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Cantegril – Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle / 2019
AOC Barsac – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A Grand Vin de Sauternes crafted by the Dubourdieu family in Barsac, this 2019 vintage blends the region’s classics: Sémillon dominant, Sauvignon Blanc, and a touch of Muscadelle. Botrytis cinerea (noble rot) weaves its magic here, concentrating sugars and intensifying aromas.

Aromas & Flavors
Lush notes of apricot, candied orange peel, and pineapple rise from the glass, layered with honey, acacia blossom, and a hint of saffron. The sweetness is deeply expressive but never cloying.

Mouthfeel
Silky and opulent, yet balanced by Barsac’s hallmark freshness and mineral tension. A luscious golden core with excellent length, pure heaven in a glass.

Food Pairings
Perfect with Roquefort, foie gras, or blue cheeses, but equally divine alongside fruit tarts, crème brûlée, or spicy Asian cuisine. For a daring contrast, try with fried chicken.

Verdict
2019 Château Cantegril is heaven on earth, an elegant and classic Barsac that shows the Dubourdieu family’s mastery. A wine that proves Sauternes and Barsac remain unmatched when it comes to liquid gold.

Did You Know?
Barsac AOC wines can legally be labeled either “Barsac” or “Sauternes.” Château Cantegril is often described as one of the “entry gates” to the Dubourdieu family’s sweet wine heritage, offering top quality at a more approachable level than their Château Doisy-Daëne.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight: This is one of those wines that makes you stop mid-sip and smile, it’s just that magical. — 8 months ago

Ming L

9.4

My first Clendenen Family Vineyards bottling.

It opens with apricot, baked apple, pear, and jasmine, unfolding into light vanilla, lemon curd, grapefruit zest, and just the slightest hint of Sherry. On the palate it’s warm and plush with lively acidity. Compared to ABC typically more mineral-edged style, this bottling feels more opulent, with greater emphasis on texture, offering a fuller expression while still carrying Jim Clendenen’s hallmark balance.

What a treat! — 9 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Special Selection is Caymus’ flagship bottling, the only wine to twice earn Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year.” The 2013 vintage comes from a benchmark Napa year—warm, consistent, and producing deeply concentrated fruit. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor sites, this wine showcases the Caymus hallmark: bold, plush, and fruit-driven Napa opulence.

Aromas & Flavors
Opulent blackberries, cassis, and baked blueberries, wrapped in layers of cocoa, espresso, and toasted vanilla. Secondary notes of licorice, sweet tobacco, and graphite add depth. With time in the glass, hints of cedar and leather start to show, signaling the early stages of graceful evolution.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, almost velvet-like, with powerful yet polished tannins. The 2013 vintage delivers intensity and weight, but with balance—long, lingering finish loaded with ripe dark fruit and spice.

Winemaking Notes
Meticulous cluster selection, long maceration for depth, and extended aging in new French oak barrels (18+ months). Chuck Wagner’s hallmark style: unapologetically ripe fruit, creamy oak integration, and a seamless, approachable structure even in youth.

Food Pairing
A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with aged Gouda or truffle-infused dishes.

Verdict
A monumental vintage of Caymus Special Selection—ripe, hedonistic, and still showing youthful vigor more than a decade later. Built for aging, yet already a crowd-pleaser. A benchmark expression of Napa Cabernet’s luxurious side.

Personal Pick Highlight
2013 stands out as one of Napa’s greatest modern vintages, and tasting it now is like catching Caymus in its prime sweet spot: power meeting polish. Cheers! — 9 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.2

2001 base
Disgorged 2008
The hallmark oxidative note but not strong in the context of Selosse. Lots of complexity. A very interesting mixture of almonds, peaches and citrus scents and flavors. Felt a little heavy in the mouth. Almost felt like I was drinking a still wine rather than champagne. — 2 years ago

Ira Schwartz

9.3

Disgorged Feb 2021. The first sniff is the all knowing Selosse oxidative hallmark. Multiple scents scrambling to take the lead like the horses coming out of the starting gate in the Kentucky derby. Very fresh in the mouth with spice , nuts and orchard fruit . The only reason my score is not higher was the oxidative note that grew in intensity. — 3 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.4

Pale lemon in colour. Very flinty - burnt match sulphidic notes on the nose yet peachy stone fruit on the light + weight palate which has medium + intensity. Really good. David Bicknell makes terrific Chardonnay. Tasted again 9 months later in early October 2022 with consistent notes. Those funky burnt match sulphides are a hallmark of this wine and really stand out - but they work. Stone fruit notes coming through on the palate. Handling 11 years of age with ease. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An exquisitely balanced Pinot Noir that bridges sophistication and accessibility with effortless grace. This Sonoma Coast expression from Williams Selyem encapsulates the winery’s hallmark finesse, purity of fruit, silky texture, and a sense of place that feels both coastal and timeless.

Aromas & Flavors
A radiant medley of red berries; strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry, accented by rose petals, wet stone, and a touch of baking spice. The fruit feels pure and translucent, lifted by cool coastal energy.

Mouthfeel
Silky and impeccably polished, with a seamless mid-palate glide. The interplay of fruit, acidity, and texture is so harmonious it makes you pause between sips , a masterclass in balance.

Food Pairings
Ideal with cedar-plank salmon, duck breast with cherry glaze, or wild mushroom risotto. Its versatility shines across both elegant and rustic cuisine.

Verdict
A Pinot that pleases both the collector and the casual drinker, sophisticated yet inviting. It resonates with critics and enthusiasts alike, a true reflection of Williams Selyem’s craftsmanship on the Sonoma Coast.

Did You Know?
The Sonoma Coast AVA, cooled by Pacific fog and ocean breezes, produces some of California’s most refined and age-worthy Pinot Noirs. This 2023 vintage captures that maritime freshness beautifully.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine of quiet brilliance, where restraint meets depth. Each sip feels intentional, reminding you how elegant California Pinot can truly be. — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bella Novello – Cabernet Sauvignon – Vintage 2023
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A tribute wine named after Teresa Novello, this Cabernet Sauvignon carries the elegance of heritage with the power of Napa terroir. Crafted in limited production (just 850 cases), Bella Novello is youthful yet already expressive, shaped by winemaking that blends Italian finesse with Napa Valley boldness.

Aromas & Flavors
Aromas of blackcurrant, ripe plum, and blackberry intertwine with cedar, graphite, and touches of dried violet. Subtle hints of mocha and spice round out its aromatic depth.

Mouthfeel
Structured and youthful, with firm tannins and a focused core of dark fruit. The mid-palate shows promise of expansion, leading to a lingering finish marked by cassis and savory spice. Designed to reward both patience and curiosity.

Food Pairings
Pair with classic dishes like bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised lamb shanks, or wild mushroom risotto. Its backbone of tannin and freshness makes it ideal for rich, protein-driven meals.

Verdict
Bella Novello is a Cabernet with poise, combining Old World inspiration and Napa’s hallmark concentration. Drinkable now with decanting, but truly a wine built to age gracefully over the next decade.

Did You Know?
The Novello family’s Italian roots are deeply honored through this label, bringing a personal story of heritage to the heart of Napa winemaking.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Cabernet feels like a future classic, bold yet refined. While still youthful, it already hints at the elegance it will achieve with time. A bottle worth cellaring, but also one to enjoy now with the right meal and good company. Cheers! — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Blason d’Issan – Margaux 2010
Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Second wine of Château d’Issan (a 3rd Growth Grand Cru Classé), this Margaux reflects the finesse and elegance of its prestigious sibling at a more approachable level. The 2010 vintage is composed of 59% Cabernet Sauvignon and 41% Merlot, delivering structure, freshness, and the signature grace of the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark red fruits, cassis, and plum supported by notes of cedar, graphite, and dried violets. Subtle earthy undertones round out the bouquet.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with silky tannins, still carrying freshness and vibrancy. The fruit remains integrated with a polished balance, showing that the wine has aged beautifully without losing Margaux’s hallmark delicacy.

Food Pairing
Perfect alongside roasted lamb, duck breast, or a classic beef tenderloin. Its elegance also pairs nicely with mushroom risotto or aged Comté.

The Verdict
A graceful, approachable Bordeaux that demonstrates how even the second labels from Margaux can age impressively. Still drinking beautifully today, with finesse and balance that embody the spirit of Margaux.

Personal Pick Highlight
One of my favorite “second labels” from Bordeaux — proof that patience rewards, as this bottle aged with remarkable elegance and still charms after more than a decade. Also, the 2010 vintage, a benchmark year in Bordeaux, lends added structure and longevity. Cheers! — 9 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Saint-Joseph V.2018
Northern Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Made entirely from 100% Syrah, this wine hails from one of the most celebrated AOCs of the Northern Rhône. The 2018 vintage was a powerful, structured year, known for ripe fruit and depth, making it one of the standout recent harvests in the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Nose: blackcurrant, blackberry, plum, and spices (notably black pepper, nutmeg) with floral hints of honeysuckle.
Palate: savory notes of smoked meats, olives, herbs, licorice, chocolate, and a touch of oak, layered beautifully with rich black fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, meaty, and concentrated with ripe tannins, round structure, and long finish. Balanced acidity ensures freshness while delivering intensity and elegance.

Winemaking & Style
Traditional Rhône winemaking highlights the terroir’s granite soils and classic Syrah character. The 2018 vintage is built for longevity, with the richness of fruit and structure to age gracefully for another decade.

Food Pairing
Ideal with duck confit, braised short ribs, lamb shank, venison stew, or wild mushroom risotto. Pairs just as well with aged cheeses like Comté or Manchego.

Verdict
A textbook Saint-Joseph: bold yet elegant, savory yet fruity, with the hallmark spice and depth that defines Northern Rhône Syrah. Aging potential of 10+ years, but already showing incredible balance and drinkability now. — a year ago

Vasanth Balakrishnan

9.1

I want to say this is peaking now @ 16 years. Cassis, bramble fruit and this distinctive dusty-earthy spiciness + wet slate on the nose that’s a hallmark of the #priorat DOQ. Primary fruit on the palate is evolving, touch of caramel under that black/purple berry, delightfully peppery spicy finish that lingers for ages trailing off with supremely soft tannins. Nice bottle to share with my wife as an early 16th anniversary treat. — 2 years ago

Stefan Dolhain

9.1

2020 vintage. This estate was known only for its sweet Maury wines when it was purchased in 1999 by Olivier Decelle. As sweet wines were (and still are) not in vogue, he started to also produce dry wines. A wise decision, as showcased by this gorgeous entry level Côtes de Roussillon. A Grenache- Syrah-Carignan blend from slate soils featuring an attractive nose with black fruits, spices and a distinctive minerality that is the hallmark of this wine. Crisp and pure fruit in the mouth, with a soft tannic bite and a long mineral-spicy finish. Fantastic value for 10 euros. — 4 years ago

Weston Mallgren

9.0

Hallmark of the variety. — 5 years ago