Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Macchia – Delicious Barbera 2023
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Barbera may be native to Italy, but in Lodi it thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing generous, fruit-driven wines. Macchia has built a reputation for crafting some of the most expressive New World Barberas, with a track record of winning international medals (including Gold at the International Barbera Competition in Italy for earlier vintages). This 2023 vintage keeps that pedigree alive with a vibrant, approachable style.

Aromas & Flavors
Explodes with blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with chocolate, spice, and hints of licorice. There’s an intensity of fruit without losing freshness, showing why Barbera adapts so beautifully outside its homeland.

Mouthfeel
Juicy, full of energy, with supple tannins and balancing acidity. Medium-plus body with a long, fruit-forward finish dusted with cocoa and spice.

Food Pairing
Pairs effortlessly with rich tomato pasta, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty sausage pizza. Also excellent with strong cheeses that complement its ripe fruit core.

The Verdict
Macchia delivers again with a Barbera that’s as delicious as its name. The 2023 vintage stands out as a casual yet compelling New World take on an Old World classic—backed by a winery whose style already carries international pedigree.

✨ Personal highlight: This wine style has pedigree from past events, but the 2023 is very much its own statement. It’s “delicious” in every sense and shows how consistent Macchia has been across vintages. Cheers! — 21 days ago

Scott C

Founder / Co-director SR Wine imports

9.0

A beautiful wine , a little on the oak side for my personal taste but a good wine none the less . — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

Made from the other White Burgundy grape, Aligote. Made by probably the most famous name in Burgundy, Aubert de Villaine and his American born wife, Pamela. Aubert is the wine director and proprietor of the Domaine de la Romanee Conti. This is his own personal project. The wine itself:- Mid lemon in colour. Herbs, citrus and a touch of aniseed on the nose. The palate is very citric and mineral with a noticeable saline note. More palate weight than it had a few years ago. Medium minus Acid. Drinking well now and no need to cellar any further. Great winemaking at an affordable price. — 6 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Agricola San Felice – Pugnitello 2017
Toscana IGT, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from the ancient and rare indigenous grape Pugnitello, rediscovered and championed by San Felice, this wine showcases Tuscany’s dedication to preserving forgotten varieties. Its name comes from “pugno” (fist) for the tight cluster shape of the grapes. The 2017 vintage reveals the grape’s intense character in full force.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep black fruits dominate — blackberry, plum, and cassis — layered with cloves, forest mulch, and spicy wood. Subtle earthy notes and dried herbs give the wine a rustic but elegant Tuscan signature.

Mouthfeel
Bone-dry, powerful, and firmly structured. The tannins are bold yet polished, supporting a dense fruit core with savory spice and smoky undertones. The wine sits squarely in its prime drinking window, showing maturity and balance without losing its intensity.

Food Pairing
Pair with Tuscan bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or truffle risotto. Also excellent with aged pecorino or charcuterie.

The Verdict
A compelling example of Tuscany’s viticultural heritage. The Pugnitello grape delivers depth, authenticity, and a unique sense of place. 2017 shows remarkable power and elegance — a wine lover’s discovery worth seeking out.

Personal Pick Highlight
Pugnitello is one of my favorite indigenous Tuscan reds because of its history and singular profile. This 2017 was at its perfect prime time — an absolute standout in San Felice’s lineup. Cheers! — 25 days ago

Jesse Shortt

10

My all time favorite and go to! — 2 years ago

Emily Kresie-Harrington

9.0

2018 vintage. Light-bodied red suitable to a light chill with just a touch of steminess. Cranberry, tart cherry, lingonberry, raspberry, violet, crab apple, cherry blossom, star anise. A little heavier-bodied than a PN, but would definitely appeal to fans of the same. — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Pisano RPF Tannat 2021 🇺🇾
A bold statement from Uruguay’s signature grape.

Crafted from 100% Tannat, this wine is part of Pisano’s most prestigious line, with RPF meaning Reserva Personal de la Familia, originally held back for family use only. Aged for 10–12 months in French oak, this is a powerful, intense, and deeply expressive red that doesn’t hold back.

On the nose: Explosive aromas of black plum, blackberry, charred tobacco, leather, and a heavy dusting of dark spices.

On the palate: A dark-fruited cascade, plum, blackberry compote, and baking spices unfold with layers of earthy, savory depth. Expect firm, drying tannins (classic Tannat!) balanced by juicy fruit and oak integration. Give it time, as it needs a good decant to fully show its hand.

Mouthfeel: Dense, textured, with a long, flavorful finish that sticks with you.

Food pairing? A must. Think grilled meats, short ribs, or slow-cooked lamb.

A wine that commands attention and celebrates bold Latino character, pure power with soul.

Cheers! 🥂🔥 — 3 months ago

Martijn

9.6

In a fantastic spot now with tertiary notes showing a tiny little bit. I would finish my bottles but that is very personal. — a year ago

Bob McDonald

9.1

From the Mornington Peninsula (although the fruit for this Pinot Noir came from the Yarra Valley ) - this is Tom Carson’s personal project when he’s not making wine for Yabby Lake - his main job. This had strawberry and other red fruits like cherry and a small whole bunch influence. Oak is dialled right back. A medium weight palate that is yet to show its full potential. First of 3 purchased and somewhat closed. Will leave having the 2nd for a couple of years. — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

20-year tawny a personal favorite. I’m always amazed how good this is whenever I have a glass. Taylor run today from Oporto by descendants of the Yeatman & Fladgate families, both of which have been partners in the firm since 1830s. Complex aromas rich with dried fruits & nutty spice. On the palate apricot and sweet berry flavors with honey and toasted nut notes, well balanced nice acidity. Lingering finish ending smooth with oaky nutty character. Very Nice. Price keeps going up each year. Tasting Sample. — 6 years ago