Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Piccolo Cru’ – Red Blend – Vintage 2021
Calistoga, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An Italian-inspired Bordeaux blend crafted under the steady hand of winemaker Gabriella Gazano, who has guided the estate for over 25 years. This cuvée unites 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It’s a wine that marries the structural power of Bordeaux varietals with Mediterranean elegance and Napa Valley ripeness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant layers of dark cherries, cassis, and ripe blackberry, supported by graphite, cocoa, and a whisper of dried herbs. Hints of cedar, vanilla, and warm spice from the oak complete the aromatic tapestry.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet graceful. Firm, polished tannins give structure while a velvety mid-palate carries richness and depth. The finish is persistent, balancing dark fruit with savory spice.

Food Pairings
Made for hearty and soulful fare: osso buco, braised short ribs, Tuscan ribollita, or grilled ribeye. A natural partner for Italian-inspired dishes that emphasize flavor and tradition.

Verdict
Piccolo Cru’ is a harmonious bridge between Old World refinement and New World power. Structured, soulful, and deeply satisfying, it captures both the strength of Napa terroir and the finesse of Italian winemaking artistry.

Did You Know?
Calistoga, the northernmost tip of Napa Valley, is famed for its volcanic soils and hot days cooled by evening breezes. These extremes allow Bordeaux varietals to develop ripeness and structure in equal measure, ideal for blends like Piccolo Cru’.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This bottle sings of duality: a Tuscan heart wrapped in Napa muscle. It’s soulful, elegant, and powerful, a wine I’d revisit for its depth, story, and sense of place. — a day ago

Aaron Rankin

9.2

Ideal partner to grilled lamb chops — 4 years ago

Steven Lee

9.1

Farewell dinner for my partner. Start with long decant. Nose is rather light. Got mineral but no blue fruit. The palate not very complex. Rather dull bitter. Quite dissapointed for all the hype — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Winderlea Vineyard & Winery – Chardonnay 2018
Willamette Valley, Oregon – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
This isn’t just any Willamette Chardonnay — it’s a benchmark. Crafted from a mosaic of top vineyards: Carabella (35%) in Chehalem Mountains, Hyland (33%) & Meredith Mitchell (23%) in McMinnville, and Winderlea Estate (9%) in Dundee Hills. Together, they deliver harmony and terroir depth that rivals fine Burgundy, while staying true to Oregon character.

Aromas & Flavors
Rich layers of peach, apricot, and crisp apple glide seamlessly into notes of citrus zest and a subtle kiss of toasted oak. The aromatic lift is both elegant and generous, hinting at orchard blossoms with a faint mineral streak.

Mouthfeel
Succulent and textured, yet framed with precision. Bright acidity keeps it vibrant, while a creamy mid-palate offers weight and length. Still radiant in 2018, showing both freshness and polish.

Winemaking Notes
Fermented and aged in French oak barrels with a Burgundian sensibility, highlighting texture over heaviness. A balance of fruit purity and oak finesse.

Food Pairing
Perfect with butter-poached lobster, seared scallops, roast chicken with herbs, or creamy risotto with chanterelles. Its lively acidity also makes it a stellar partner for soft cheeses.

Verdict
A standout Chardonnay from Oregon, balancing Burgundian elegance with Willamette soul. Priced above regional peers, but every sip justifies it. Truly one of the finest examples of Oregon Chardonnay in recent years. Cheers! — 3 months ago

Sherry Scheinman

9.4

A gift that makes me want to partner in crime with the giver. Really good! — 4 years ago

Graham Brooks

9.0

Raspberry and blackcurrant aromas , jammy fruitiness and soft tannins. An enjoyable easy partner to fillet steak followed by a good cheddar. — 4 years ago

Brad Jensen

9.2

So first, a caveat: This NEEDS food! It just does. When first opened I really wasn’t a fan, tried to pair it with some lighter charcuterie fare and cheese and it just did not gel. It isn’t the crisp, light bodied chard you’d expect it to be, it’s full bodied, thick, and complex, but once we found the right food, paired with steelhead salmon cooked in butter and bacon grease, wooooah, this moves like you’d found the perfect dancing partner. The color is typical Chardonnay yellow with green hues towards the middle, with strong Meyer lemon and slight dusty stone in on the nose, maybe even some leafy, vegetal notes hidden in there. — 8 months ago

Ian Hamel

9.4

2023/4 holidays. Classic and wonderful - hugely aromatic, hints of flor / salinity but lots of nutty, caramel and dried fruit character give a sense of sweetness though the wine is dry, making it a great partner for aged hard cheeses. Good balancing acidity too. — 2 years ago

Andrew Holod

National Sales Grapes of Spain

9.0

The blood of the land. Or rose made by bleeding tanks destined for red wine production?
Intense pink w a distinct blueish cast. All cucurbit w melon and cucumber, rose hips and plenty of red fruit aromas. The texture here is the outstanding partner it is penetrating, cutting rich foods, but also has a generous, viscous, silky feeling. — 4 years ago

Steve Cunneen

9.2

Flint, lemon, lime, green apple. Balanced and an awesome food partner. Delicious. — 5 years ago