Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Magistrate – Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019
Paso Robles AVA, Central Coast – USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
A limited production release of just 2,698 cases, this Cabernet Sauvignon captures the sun-drenched character of Paso Robles while offering an approachable, easy-drinking style. Crafted with a balance between fruit concentration and accessibility, it reflects the Central Coast’s charm.

Aromas & Flavors:
Bursts of ripe red fruits, blackberry preserves, and raspberry jelly intertwine with a subtle touch of spice and vanilla. A jammy core gives way to notes of plum compote and a hint of cocoa in the background.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-bodied with a juicy, fruit-forward palate. The tannins are soft and rounded, creating an inviting structure that leads to a smooth, lingering finish full of berry-like sweetness.

Food Pairings:
Perfect for casual settings—think BBQ ribs, grilled burgers, or pizza with pepperoni. It also plays well with cheddar or gouda cheeses for a laid-back pairing.

Verdict:
A fruit-driven, approachable Paso Robles Cabernet that shows off the region’s sun-kissed terroir. Casual and comforting, this bottle is all about enjoyment rather than contemplation. Cheers! — 16 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Gibbs – Cabernet Sauvignon “Three Clones” 2022
St. Helena AVA, Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Gibbs Vineyards, a family-run estate in St. Helena, has carved a niche for producing small-lot, limited-production wines that often fly under the radar compared to Napa’s bigger names. The “Three Clones” bottling brings together Cabernet Sauvignon from three distinct clonal selections across their estate vineyards, creating a wine that is both powerful and finessed.

📌 Educational Note: St. Helena AVA is one of Napa’s most prized subregions, known for its warmer climate that produces plush, fruit-driven Cabs with round tannins, rich concentration, and a signature balance of power and elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, and ripe plum lead the way, accented by violet, baking spice, and subtle cedar. On the palate, juicy dark cherry, mulberry, and cocoa powder intertwine with graphite and a touch of vanilla oak.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and polished, with well-integrated tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, balanced, and fruit-driven, lingering with spice and dark chocolate.

Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from three clonal selections, fermented in small lots, and aged in French oak (about 30% new). The clonal mix adds both power and nuance, making the wine more layered and expressive.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or lamb chops with rosemary. For a cheese match, aged Gouda or Manchego highlight its rich fruit and structure.

Verdict
A Napa Cab that overdelivers—structured yet approachable, with depth from its clonal blend and a polished finish. Gibbs proves that small-lot Napa producers can deliver as much excitement as the icons, often at a friendlier price. — 2 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.0

The 1975 Batailley is a vintage poured at a vertical at the Pauillac estate with Frédéric Castèja a few months earlier, but perversely, this bottle shows better. There’s a strong marine influence on the nose, and kelp and crustacea intertwine with slightly rustic but attractive black fruit, austere, compared to recent vintages, albeit typical of that period for Batailley. The palate is gentle, perhaps a little angular, though this bottle exhibited a touch more black fruit on the finish to counterbalance its obdurate tannins, a trope of the 1975 Left Banks. The aforementioned vertical will appear this year. (Neal Martin, Vinous, April 2024)
— 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Bodegas Muga – Aro 2019
Rioja DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A prestige cuvée from Bodegas Muga, Aro represents one of the most refined modern expressions of Rioja. Crafted in small quantities from Tempranillo with a touch of Graciano, the 2019 vintage balances juicy fruit with structure, elegance, and longevity. (Educational note: Muga ferments with indigenous yeasts in oak vats and ages Aro in French oak, blending traditional Rioja methods with modern precision.)

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red berries (raspberry, strawberry, and red plum) lead the way, framed by subtle blackberry and cassis. Layers of vanilla, cocoa, and spice from oak intertwine with floral and mineral notes.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied with polished tannins. Decanted for 2 hours, it opened beautifully — long, elegant, and persistent, with a finish that shows both fruit purity and savory depth.

Food Pairings
Pairs well with roasted lamb, Iberian pork, or grilled steak. Also excellent with manchego cheese or mushroom-based dishes.

Verdict
A superb Rioja — juicy, refined, and complex. The 2019 Aro is a treat that shows both immediate charm and long-term potential. A true collector’s Rioja with class and depth. 🍷

Did You Know?
The name “Aro” is a nod to the hoops (aros) that bind the staves of Rioja’s traditional oak barrels, symbolizing craftsmanship and unity.

Collector’s Rarity 📌
Produced in limited quantities, Aro is one of Rioja’s most sought-after wines — a modern icon that rivals Spain’s greatest reds. — a month ago

Aaron Tan

9.6

Wow, it has been quite some time since I’ve had a wine so profoundly pure and energetic. Tasting this rare bottling from Thibaud Boudignon is truly a privilege - a scant 1,000 bottles crafted from ungrafted vines within Clos de la Hutte. There’s a youthful reticence here, a sense of coiled power, even after a double decant and three hours of air. Yet the aromas are captivating: flint, chalk, and lemon oil intertwine with green apple, lanolin, and a touch of mint. On the palate, the wine is almost shocking in its intensity. Viciously taut, with enamel-stripping acidity, a saline spine, and gripping dry extract. Despite its lean structure, there’s a surprising volume and density that unfolds on the palate. The finish is remarkably long, staining the sides of the palate with a chalky salinity that seems to resonate endlessly. For me, this wine perfectly fulfils its intent - an unadorned expression of terroir, delivering minerality and purity without artifice. Absolutely my kind of wine. — 9 months ago

Chase Heibel

9.3

The Bricoleur Vineyards 2019 Syrah from Kick Ranch Vineyard in the Fountaingrove District AVA is a captivating expression that beautifully melds the characteristics of its unique terroir. This Syrah, a testament to region, presents a deep, velvety structure that echoes the influence of the diverse geology.

The nose opens with an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries and plums, showcasing the warmth of the Fountaingrove District's climate. Undertones of black pepper and subtle spices add an intriguing Old World charm, reminiscent of the Northern Rhône style. These nuances intertwine with delicate floral notes, perhaps a nod to the higher elevations and diurnal temperature variations within the AVA.

On the palate, the wine unveils a harmonious marriage of flavors. The well-integrated tannins, higher alcohol, and medium acidity, provide a structured backbone, reminiscent of the classic Syrahs from Sonoma County.

What sets this Syrah apart is its finesse—a balance between the bold, ripe fruit indicative of the region's warmth and the elegance reminiscent of Old World Syrahs. The Bricoleur Vineyards 2019 Syrah is a delightful fusion of the best of both worlds, offering a unique and sophisticated journey for those seeking a Syrah that bridges the styles of the Northern Rhône and Sonoma County. — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Etude – Heirloom Pinot Noir 2012
Grace Benoist Ranch, Carneros AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Estate-grown from the celebrated Grace Benoist Ranch, this Heirloom Pinot underscores Etude’s mastery of Carneros terroir. Over a decade since harvest, it has aged with remarkable poise, offering proof that Carneros Pinot can rival the greats for longevity. This one delivers the wow-factor in spades.

Aromas & Flavors
Dried cherry, black raspberry, and plum layered with rose petal, tea leaf, and subtle leather. Mature accents of forest floor and truffle bring savory depth to the fruit core.

Mouthfeel
Silky and seamless, with tannins fully resolved into finesse. Bright acidity carries the wine gracefully, while the finish lingers in layers of spice, earth, and fruit. Quite literally, the wine dances in the mouth.

Food Pairing
A natural match with duck confit, wild mushroom risotto, or aged Comté cheese. The wine’s silky texture and earthy notes intertwine beautifully with savory, umami-rich dishes.

The Verdict
A captivating Pinot Noir that reaffirms Etude’s finesse and Grace Benoist Ranch’s pedigree. This 2012 shows the sweet spot for Etude Heirloom around the 10–12 year mark, where fruit, earth, and structure harmonize in peak expression. Among Carneros’ top benchmarks for age-worthy Pinot. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Vernice Garden Falanghina 2024
Campania, Italy – IGP 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Falanghina, one of the oldest cultivated grapes of southern Italy, celebrated since Roman times for its aromatic charm and refreshing style. Classified as an IGP wine, it reflects both tradition and flexibility, allowing for a fresh and expressive style that captures the sunny Mediterranean spirit of Campania.

Aromas & Flavors
Floral tones of broom flower, rose, and sage intertwine with pineapple, banana, yellow peach, mango, and lemon zest. On the palate, crisp white peach, green apple, honeyed hints, and wet stone minerality lead to a clean citrus finish.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied, zesty, and energetic, with lively acidity that makes it vibrant and food-friendly.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and Falanghina’s distinctive aromatic lift.

Food Pairing
Perfect with prawns, mussels, caprese salad, tomato-based pastas, vegetable soups, or mozzarella. Its balance of fruit and minerality makes it an ideal partner for Mediterranean cuisine.

Verdict
A cheerful and versatile IGP Falanghina that embodies ancient roots with a modern charm—easy to love, perfect for summer, and a must for casual sipping. Cheers! — 4 months ago

Christine Lee

9.5

Fragrances of sweet fruits intertwine with hints of Mediterranean spices, vitalized by a bright acidity that is balanced by balsamic and fragrant notes. This extends the finish of this Sangiovese, This wine is light and versatile, pairing perfectly with lighter dishes, a salad or a vegetarian meal.
Lovely drinking by itself as well! Definitely must buy again!! — a year ago

Myles Keyt

9.0

The 2012 Fernand & Laurent Pillot Pommard Les Charmots Premier Cru is a truly captivating wine. With its deep ruby color and medium body, it exudes elegance from the very first glance. The fine lace tannins gracefully caress the palate, adding a touch of sophistication to this exquisite offering.

Upon nosing the wine, one is immediately greeted by a bouquet that is nothing short of enchanting. Plum and blackcurrant aromas intertwine with delicate notes of violet, cedar, and vanilla, creating a symphony of scents. Undertones of toasted coconut further enhance the aromatic profile, inviting the senses on a delightful journey.

On the palate, this wine shines with remarkable freshness and vibrant acidity. The blackcurrant flavors take center stage, accompanied by a subtle hint of white pepper that adds a touch of spice. The wine culminates in a captivating finish that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, the 2012 Fernand & Laurent Pillot Pommard Les Charmots Premier Cru is a beautiful wine that provides an exceptional drinking experience. It is particularly remarkable as a first introduction to Pommard wines, showcasing the essence of this renowned appellation. With its superb balance and complexity, this wine is truly enjoyable and deserving of a rating of 95. It is undoubtedly a wine that one would gladly revisit time and time again. — 2 years ago