Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Chappellet – Cabernet Franc – 2022
Napa Valley AVA · Pritchard Hill · California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A refined Bordeaux-inspired blend anchored by 76% Cabernet Franc, supported by 17% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Merlot. The vines, planted in 1989, thrive in the volcanic soils of Pritchard Hill, yielding concentrated fruit with remarkable aromatic lift. Aged 22 months in French oak (60% new), this wine shows both the elegance and mountain intensity that define Chappellet’s signature reds.

Aromas & Flavors
Beautifully expressive with cedar, graphite, sage, red currant, rose petal and a hint of sandalwood. As it opens, deeper tones of black cherry, anise, white pepper and subtle earthiness reveal themselves with grace.

Mouthfeel
Velvety and layered, with seamless tannins and a poised structure. The palate shows depth without heaviness, leading to a long, complex finish that carries dark fruit, spice and a gentle mineral echo.

Food Pairings
Perfect with herb-roasted poultry, pork tenderloin, mushroom dishes, grilled vegetables or aged semi-firm cheeses. Anything savory or herb-accented will meet this wine beautifully.

Verdict
Elegant, balanced and quietly powerful. This Cabernet Franc stands as one of Napa’s finest expressions of the grape, capturing both sophistication and mountain character.

Did You Know?
Cabernet Franc is one of the parents of Cabernet Sauvignon (crossed with Sauvignon Blanc), giving this wine a noble lineage and distinct personality on Pritchard Hill.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine I reach for when I want tradition, depth and grace in one glass. This is the “big papa” of Cabernets, and sometimes the best pairing truly is myself. — a day ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Terre del Casone – Vermentino – 2024
Toscana IGT, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Building on the charm of the 2023 vintage, the 2024 Vermentino adds an extra layer of character and intensity. Still crafted by the Castellani family, it reflects a slightly warmer growing season that enhanced texture, aromatics, and persistence, without sacrificing freshness.

Aromas & Flavors
Vivid lemon blossom, green melon, and nectarine unfold into richer notes of pear, lime peel, and crushed seashell. There’s a subtle herbal undertone of thyme and fennel that nods to its coastal terroir.

Mouthfeel
More pronounced and textural than 2023, rounder mid-palate, but still crisp and focused. Excellent balance between fruit concentration and saline minerality.

Food Pairings
A brilliant match for shrimp scampi, seafood risotto, grilled calamari, or even soft cheeses like burrata with basil oil.

Verdict
The 2024 takes everything great about its predecessor and turns up the definition. Slightly deeper, slightly more assertive, yet just as refreshing. A step forward in complexity for this coastal gem. Cheers!

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Currently sipping this vintage, it’s impressive how this humble Vermentino evolves with each year. The 2024 brings personality and poise in perfect harmony. — 10 days 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. — 15 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.6

Chappellet – Signature Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022 🇺🇸
Pritchard Hill (Mountain Fruit) – Napa Valley AVA – California, USA

Overview
A cornerstone of Chappellet for over three decades, the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon continues to define what Napa Valley mountain Cabernet is all about: power, elegance, and longevity.
The 2022 vintage carries a subtly adjusted blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot, 7% Malbec, 2% Merlot, featuring a touch more Cabernet Sauvignon and slightly less Petit Verdot and Malbec compared to the 2021 (see my v2021 notes).
This shift gives the 2022 an extra dimension of muscle and purity, heightening its mountain-driven character.

Aromas & Flavors
Undeniably dark and expressive. Notes of blackcurrant, dark cherry, plum, and cassis rise first, followed by cedar, sage, aged tobacco, thyme, and beautifully integrated toasted oak.
As it opens, deeper nuances emerge, espresso bean, cocoa, graphite, and subtle mountain herbs.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and impeccably structured.
The increase in Cabernet Sauvignon amplifies its power and linearity, while polished tannins deliver a glowing richness across the palate.
Flavors of black cherry, currant, chocolate, espresso, and warm spice saturate the mid-palate. The finish is long, confident, and built for aging.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, lamb with rosemary, venison, black-truffle dishes, or aged gouda/cheddar.

Verdict
A formidable yet seductively elegant expression of Pritchard Hill. The 2022 is slightly more commanding than the 2021, with enhanced Cabernet purity and structural depth. A true benchmark in Napa’s hillside Cabernets, age-worthy, expressive, and unmistakably Chappellet. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Pritchard Hill’s volcanic, iron-rich soils and elevation create Cabernets known for density, refinement, and remarkable longevity, which is why so many iconic Napa producers source or plant here.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Among my personal favorites in the mountain Cabernet category. The 2022 delivers that unmistakable “whoa” moment, especially when shared with friends and family. — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Pisano “Río de los Pájaros” Reserve 2024
Progreso, Uruguay 🇺🇾

Overview
An impressive white out of 100% Torrontés grapes from the Pisano family estate, representing Uruguay’s Atlantic expression of this aromatic varietal. Subtle yet elegant, this wine redefines Torrontés with finesse rather than flamboyance.

Aromas & Flavors
Enticing florals, white jasmine, honeysuckle, and orange blossom, lifted by stone fruit and citrus zest. Notes of lychee and pear gently unfold as it opens in the glass.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and a rounded mid-palate. The texture is supple yet vibrant, giving a polished feel to a grape often known for exuberance. The finish is clean, layered, and persistent.

Food Pairings
Superb with ceviche, grilled shrimp, or Southeast Asian dishes with a touch of spice. Also delightful with goat cheese salads or simply enjoyed solo.

Verdict
A sophisticated take on Torrontés, aromatic yet balanced, expressive yet composed. A must-try example of Uruguay’s potential in white wines.Cheers!

Did You Know?
“Río de los Pájaros” translates to River of the Painted Birds, Uruguay’s poetic name derived from the native Guaraní language, a tribute to its natural beauty and rich biodiversity.
— 12 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir “Westside Road Neighbors” – Vintage 2023
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An expressive and terroir-driven Pinot Noir from the revered Westside Road corridor of the Russian River Valley, a stretch synonymous with depth, precision, and complexity. This 2023 release from Williams Selyem showcases the hallmark elegance of the estate but with a more structured, site-focused personality.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe cherry, red currant, and plum compote intertwined with notes of black tea, baking spice, and subtle earthy undertones. Hints of cola and dried rose petals emerge as the wine opens, adding nuance to its aromatic range.

Mouthfeel
Texturally denser than the core RRV bottling, with a refined backbone of tannin and a sense of gravitas on the palate. Medium-plus body with impressive balance, equal parts finesse and muscle. The finish is long, savory, and mineral-tinged, reflecting the complexity of its vineyard sources.

Food Pairings
Perfect for roast duck with cherry glaze, wild mushroom tart, or seared salmon with soy-ginger glaze. The structure also pairs beautifully with richer poultry or pork dishes.

Verdict
A Pinot Noir of precision and presence, more grounded and terroir-driven than its softer sibling. “Westside Road Neighbors” is the connoisseur’s pick: powerful yet graceful, and built for cellaring.

Did You Know?
The “Westside Road Neighbors” cuvée blends fruit from several prestigious vineyards located along one of Sonoma’s most famous Pinot corridors, where fog and afternoon sun create the perfect microclimate for depth and elegance.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This Pinot stands out for its balance of structure and soul. A wine that feels both intellectual and emotional, it invites reflection while still being effortlessly enjoyable. — 15 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Fotsch – Sauvignon Blanc – 2022
Mendocino County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A crisp, small-lot Sauvignon Blanc from Mendocino County, crafted in a lean, mineral-driven style. This boutique release from Fotsch shows the purity and tension of cool-climate fruit, balancing intensity with finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Vivid aromatics of lime zest, gooseberry, and green apple, layered with fresh-cut grass and subtle hints of grapefruit peel. On the palate, it’s clean and zippy, with notes of lemon pith, passionfruit, and a whisper of wet stone.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied yet energetic, showing steely precision and refreshing acidity. The finish is brisk, citrusy, and mouthwatering, a true palate cleanser.

Food Pairings
Perfect with oysters, goat cheese crostini, grilled asparagus, or ceviche. Also a fine match for a citrus herb chicken salad or sushi rolls.

Verdict
A lively, steely Sauvignon Blanc that captures Mendocino’s coastal freshness. Grassy, punchy, and full of verve, it’s sunshine bottled with a cool breeze.

Did You Know?
Mendocino County’s diurnal shift, warm days followed by chilly nights, helps Sauvignon Blanc retain its crisp acidity while developing layers of tropical and herbal character.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Grassy and zesty in all the right ways, a small-batch gem that punches above its weight. One sip, and you’re instantly refreshed. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Fotsch – Albariño – 2022
Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
From a boutique family-run winery nestled between St. Helena and Calistoga, this limited-production Albariño is a rare California expression of a grape better known for its Atlantic roots. Crafted in small quantities, it captures the bright energy of Napa sunshine with a coastal soul.

Aromas & Flavors
Vibrant aromas of pineapple, lychee, and lemon zest, complemented by hints of white peach and tropical flowers. On the palate, juicy citrus meets ripe orchard fruit, framed by refreshing minerality.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a clean, zesty texture. The finish is long and lively, echoing with tropical brightness and saline freshness.

Food Pairings
Perfect for sunny afternoons with ceviche, shrimp tacos, grilled halibut, or citrusy salads. A delightful companion to sushi or goat cheese crostini.

Verdict
A refreshing and joyful Albariño, rare for Napa Valley, yet beautifully executed. Its balance of tropical fruit and coastal-like crispness makes it a standout among California whites. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Albariño, native to Galicia, Spain, thrives in cooler climates, which makes its appearance in Napa Valley particularly unique. The grape’s natural acidity translates beautifully when grown in Napa’s northern pockets where fog and elevation temper the heat.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This one truly screams sunny afternoon, lively, juicy, and full of personality. Proof that Albariño can shine brilliantly even far from the Iberian coast. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Viña Alarde Gran Reserva 2013
Marqués de la Concordia – Rioja DOCa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A true heritage Rioja, celebrating the 136th family harvest from a winery founded in 1877. Made predominantly from Tempranillo, this Gran Reserva showcases the enduring elegance and patience of traditional Spanish winemaking, aged to perfection in both oak and bottle.

Aromas & Flavors
Classic notes of dried cherry, tobacco leaf, and vanilla bean mingle with earthy undertones of leather, cedar, and sweet spice. Hints of balsamic and roasted herbs add complexity with every swirl.

Mouthfeel
Gracefully aged — medium-bodied, with fine, integrated tannins and a long, silky finish that lingers with warmth and harmony.

Food Pairings
Ideal with roasted lamb, aged Manchego, or mushroom risotto. It also sings alongside Spanish classics like chorizo al vino or paella mixta.

Verdict
A refined Rioja that honors the timeless tradition of Gran Reserva. Balanced, soulful, and mature, the 2013 vintage stands as a reminder of Rioja’s graceful longevity. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Gran Reserva wines in Rioja must age for at least five years, with two years minimum in oak and three in bottle before release, ensuring deep complexity and remarkable smoothness. — 12 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A benchmark Pinot Noir from one of California’s most iconic producers. Only 656 cases crafted, this 2023 vintage beautifully captures the Russian River Valley’s signature elegance and vibrancy. It’s a wine that balances precision and grace, proof that fine, age-worthy Pinot is alive and thriving in Sonoma.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherries, wild raspberries, and pomegranate glide alongside hints of rose petal, orange zest, and forest floor. Subtle spice and oak tones weave seamlessly into the fruit, creating layers of depth and charm.

Mouthfeel
Silky, balanced, and pure. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and ultra-fine tannins that give it both structure and lift. The wine literally dances on the palate, finishing long and elegant with a whisper of red fruit and spice.

Food Pairings
Perfect alongside duck confit, herb-crusted salmon, mushroom risotto, or roasted poultry with truffle butter.

Verdict
A polished and expressive Pinot Noir that speaks of place and precision. Williams Selyem continues to set the gold standard for Russian River Valley finesse, delivering both immediacy and cellar potential.

Did You Know?
Williams Selyem was among the pioneers of single-vineyard Pinot Noir in California. Their minimalist approach, native yeasts, gentle extraction, and minimal filtration, has influenced generations of winemakers aiming for purity of terroir. — 15 days ago