Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Toccata – Riserva Red Blend – 2020
Santa Barbara County – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
A Super-Tuscan–inspired red blend from Santa Barbara County, built on a Cabernet Sauvignon–led composition of Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Freisa, and Petit Verdot. Italian varieties thrive in the cooler Los Alamos Valley sites, while French varieties contribute structure from warmer hillside vineyards, creating a rounded, balanced wine that reflects both Old World inspiration and regional California expression.

Aromas & Flavors:
Ripe red and black cherry, plum, dried herbs, subtle baking spice, and a touch of earthy nuance. Sangiovese and Freisa add savory lift while Cabernet anchors the fruit core.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-plus body with supple, polished tannins and integrated acidity. Smooth and approachable, yet structured enough to hold its shape at the table.

Food Pairings:
Grilled meats, herb-roasted chicken, lamb chops, mushroom risotto, pasta with tomato-based sauces, and semi-aged Italian cheeses.

Verdict:
A thoughtfully composed, approachable Super-Tuscan–style blend that balances complexity with drinkability. Versatile, food-friendly, and expressive of Santa Barbara County’s diverse terroirs.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
I enjoy this wine for its balance and versatility, it delivers Italian-inspired nuance without heaviness, making it an easy yet thoughtful choice for casual dinners or relaxed evenings when I want complexity without intensity. — 20 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata – Dolcetto Fresco / 2023
Santa Barbara County AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Inspired by Italy’s playful Vino Novello tradition, this is a spirited, fruit-forward expression of Dolcetto made in Santa Barbara County. Produced from 100% estate-grown fruit sourced from the Lucas & Lewellen family’s Los Alamos Valley vineyards, this wine also marks an important milestone for the winery as their first bottling crafted using carbonic maceration. The result is a lively, aromatic, and freshness-driven red that feels immediate and vibrant.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries lead the profile, supported by delicate clove spice and aromatic herbal tones. Juicy fruit character remains at the forefront, balanced by subtle savory nuances that add dimension without weighing the wine down.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and energetic with soft tannins and refreshing acidity. The texture is supple and easygoing, finishing crisp, clean, and irresistibly moreish.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie boards, margherita pizza, grilled sausages, roasted chicken, or simple pasta dishes with herbs and olive oil.

Verdict
A joyful, modern take on Dolcetto that prioritizes freshness, drinkability, and charm. Light, expressive, and versatile, this is a red wine built for casual enjoyment while still offering varietal character and balance.

Did You Know?
Carbonic maceration, famously used in Beaujolais, emphasizes primary fruit aromas and freshness while softening tannins—making wines like this ideal for chilling slightly and drinking young. — 4 months ago

Jessica Krack

8.9

Sweet but cloyingly so. Fruity but clean — 7 years ago

Oliver Seaman

9.9

Perfect wine 🙏🏻 — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.

Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata – Sole Bianco White Blend / 2022
Santa Barbara County AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A sunshine-kissed, aromatic white blend from Santa Barbara County composed of 57% Viognier, 29% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Malvasia Bianca, and 2% Muscat Canelli. Bright, expressive, and immediately charming, this wine leans into aromatics and freshness while remaining balanced and dangerously easy to drink.

Aromas & Flavors
Peach, orange blossom, green apple, and tangerine lead the nose. The palate follows with pineapple, crisp apple, citrus zest, and lifted floral notes, delivering a vivid and fruit-forward profile.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a clean, refreshing texture. Bright fruit carries through effortlessly, making each sip inviting and lively.

Food Pairings
Caprese salad with basil and balsamic drizzle, shrimp scampi, white pizza with ricotta and arugula, triple-cream brie, or a fresh fruit tart.

Verdict
A joyful, aromatic white blend that highlights Santa Barbara County’s versatility. Fresh, expressive, and highly approachable, this is a crowd-pleasing wine with excellent balance and a strong value proposition. — 4 months ago

James Webb

9.2

Wow. Violets and red fruit! Beautiful integration. Good acid and full body, notes of overripe fruit. The tannins have integrated well. — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata Freisa 2023
Santa Barbara County AVA, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Freisa, a rare Italian varietal originally from Piedmont, brought to California and cultivated by the Lucas & Lewellen family. It’s almost never seen outside Italy, making this a remarkable example of how Santa Barbara’s versatile terroir can give voice to forgotten grapes.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red fruits dominate—think wild cherry, raspberry compote, and pomegranate—with lifted floral tones of rose petal. Hints of pepper, earthy spice, and subtle herbs add dimension.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and lively, with fresh acidity and gently grippy tannins (a hallmark of Freisa). The finish lingers with tart cherry and a rustic, savory twist.

Winemaking Notes
Estate-grown fruit from the Los Alamos Valley vineyards. Fermented in stainless steel to preserve freshness and varietal purity, with a short aging period to emphasize approachability and vibrancy.

Food Pairing
A versatile table wine—excellent with tomato-based pasta, charcuterie, or grilled vegetables. Also pairs surprisingly well with pizza, burgers, and everyday comfort fare.

Verdict
A rare treat: an ancient Piedmontese grape reborn in California soil. Rustic yet refreshing, this Freisa shows both heritage and innovation, delivering a wine that’s casual, distinctive, and a true conversation starter. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Toccata Rosato Brut – 2021
Santa Maria Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A lively, traditional Italian-method sparkling wine crafted from 95% Chardonnay, with small additions of 2% Dolcetto and 3% Malvasia Bianca. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyards in northern Santa Barbara County. This blend creates a refined and elegant bubbly with subtle layers of complexity.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright citrus zest, green apple, and pear lead the way, followed by delicate floral notes and hints of stone fruit. The touch of Dolcetto adds a whisper of berry brightness, while Malvasia Bianca contributes subtle aromatics.

Mouthfeel
Crisp and refreshing, with fine bubbles and a balanced acidity. Light-to-medium body with a clean, dry, and slightly creamy finish. The structure is elegant without heaviness, making it both festive and versatile.

Winemaking Notes
Produced via the traditional méthode champenoise, with secondary fermentation in bottle. Aging on lees adds creaminess and a toasty nuance, while the unique blend of varietals distinguishes it from more conventional sparkling wines.

Food Pairing
Perfect with antipasti, shellfish, smoked salmon, or light pasta dishes. Also a great celebratory aperitif with cheese platters or simply on its own for a summer toast.

Verdict
A refreshing and charming California take on Italian-inspired sparkling rosato. Balanced, festive, and elegant, this wine shows that Santa Barbara County can deliver bubbles with real personality. — 4 months ago

Steve Somermeyer

9.1

Decent nose & a strong Nebbiolo palate finish. A bit flat on entry but a nice wine. — 6 months ago