Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château Rieussec — R de Rieussec 2020
Bordeaux AOC, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A seriously over-delivering dry white from Château Rieussec, the celebrated Sauternes estate of Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite. The 2020 is 57% Sauvignon Blanc and 43% Sémillon, combining Sauvignon’s freshness and energy with the texture and richness of Sémillon.

Aromas & Flavors
Passion fruit, citrus, grapefruit, ripe peach, and tropical fruit lead into subtle smoky and mineral nuances. Expressive and succulent without losing its Bordeaux identity.

Mouthfeel
Smooth and beautifully balanced, with enough volume from the Sémillon to give the wine substance while Sauvignon Blanc provides a sharp, refreshing backbone. Generous through the mid-palate, yet precise and lively through the finish.

Food Pairings
Oysters, grilled shrimp, scallops, crab, white fish, or seafood pasta. Equally enjoyable on its own.

Verdict
A hidden gem that punches considerably above its weight. Fresh, layered, succulent, and remarkably approachable, yet with enough structure and complexity to reveal its serious Bordeaux pedigree. One glass becomes two remarkably easily.

Did You Know?
Although 2020 may not be a headline vintage for white Bordeaux, R de Rieussec was a successful individual performer. The year was unusually warm and early, but Rieussec’s limestone-marl soils handled the dry summer well, with Sauvignon Blanc harvested exceptionally early in August to retain freshness.

🍷 Personal Pick
It took me a while to find other favorable vintages of this white, and I wasn’t sure 2020 would deliver, but I gave it a shot—and I’m glad I did. Succulent tropical fruit, beautiful balance, precision, and a sharp refreshing finish. Affordable enough to open casually, yet sophisticated enough to make you pay attention. Standalone or with seafood, this is exactly the kind of overlooked Bordeaux Blanc I love discovering. — 41 minutes ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Santo Wines — Santorini Assyrtiko 2025
Santorini PDO, Greece 🇬🇷

Overview
100% Assyrtiko from selected mountain vineyards on Santorini, grown in the island’s arid, volcanic, low-yielding conditions. This is a particularly graceful expression of the variety—less about sheer intensity and more about finesse, freshness, and that unmistakable Santorini personality.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh lemon, citrus peel, green apple, and delicate white fruit, with subtle herbal notes and a distinctly stony, volcanic character.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied, agile, and beautifully vibrant. Crisp acidity drives the palate, while pronounced minerality and a subtle saline edge add dimension. There is even a very distant suggestion of fizz that gives the wine extra energy without distracting from its refinement.

Food Pairings
Grilled octopus, fresh fish, oysters, shrimp, Greek salads, lemon-herb chicken, or simply grilled Mediterranean vegetables.

Verdict
One of the most delicious Santorini Assyrtikos I’ve tasted recently. Delicate yet expressive, mineral-driven without becoming austere, and wonderfully refreshing. It captures Assyrtiko’s serious side while remaining incredibly inviting from the first sip.

Did You Know?
Santorini’s Assyrtiko vines are traditionally grown in basket-shaped kouloura, protecting the grapes from the island’s fierce winds and intense sun. Many vineyards are also ungrafted, rooted directly into the island’s volcanic soils.

🍷 Personal Pick
A little Santorini jewel. The finesse grabbed me immediately, but it’s the combination of stony minerality, salinity, freshness, and effortless energy that makes me want this in my cellar many times over. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Chateau Mercian — Yamanashi Koshu 2023
Koshu, Yamanashi, Japan 🇯🇵

Overview
Crafted from 100% Koshu, Japan’s indigenous grape variety cultivated for centuries in Yamanashi Prefecture, this wine beautifully showcases the elegance and precision that have become the hallmark of Chateau Mercian. Delicate, mineral-driven, and refreshingly distinctive, it offers a unique expression found nowhere else in the wine world.

Aromas & Flavors
Japanese citrus, green apple, white peach, subtle lychee, delicate tropical fruit, white flowers, and a gentle saline minerality unfold with remarkable finesse and purity.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a silky, refreshing texture. Bright and beautifully balanced, the palate delivers subtle weight without heaviness, finishing long, clean, and mineral-driven.

Food Pairings
Sushi, sashimi, shrimp, oysters, grilled white fish, fresh salads, tempura, or lightly seasoned seafood dishes.

Verdict
A captivating white that combines elegance, precision, and originality. Refreshing yet thoughtfully complex, it offers a distinctive personality that continues to elevate Japan’s growing reputation as a serious fine wine producer.

Did You Know?
Koshu is Japan’s signature indigenous grape, with a history dating back more than 1,000 years in Yamanashi Prefecture. Its naturally delicate aromatics and vibrant acidity make it one of the world’s most versatile partners for Japanese cuisine.

🍷 Personal Pick
Japanese wines have evolved tremendously over the past two decades, and Chateau Mercian continues to lead that transformation. Every time I pour this wine, it changes the conversation around the table. It’s educational, unexpectedly delicious, and a beautiful reminder that some of the world’s most memorable wines come from places many enthusiasts have yet to explore. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Albino Armani 1607 — Gewürztraminer 2024, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A lovely northern Italian interpretation of Gewürztraminer, grown in the cool conditions of Trentino. Albino Armani gives this naturally expressive variety plenty of aromatic personality while maintaining freshness and structure. Rather than becoming excessively perfumed or soft, the wine shows layers, savory character, and enough weight to make it compelling from the first glass.

Aromas & Flavors
Lychee, ripe peach, apricot, rose petal, citrus peel, and delicate tropical fruit unfold alongside subtle spice and floral notes. There is plenty happening aromatically, but the profile remains composed rather than overwhelmingly exotic.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and beautifully textured, with freshness balancing the wine’s aromatic richness. There is a savory quality through the mid-palate, followed by a surprisingly substantial, flavorful finish that gives this considerably more presence than a simple aromatic white.

Food Pairings
Thai curry, Vietnamese dishes, spicy noodles, sushi, grilled shrimp, aromatic chicken dishes, or mildly spicy Indian cuisine. Asian food practically screams for this bottle.

Verdict
An expressive yet remarkably balanced Gewürztraminer that should impress both newcomers and more sophisticated palates. It delivers everything one hopes for from the variety—aromatics, texture, spice, and personality—without becoming heavy or excessively flamboyant.

Did You Know?
Although Gewürztraminer is strongly associated with Alsace, it has deep historical connections to northeastern Italy as well. The variety’s name is traditionally linked to the village of Tramin/Termeno in Alto Adige, making northern Italy an especially fascinating place to explore its identity.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of Gewürztraminer I enjoy: multilayered, savory, beautifully aromatic, but still fresh and composed. The cool-climate personality is there, yet the finish packs considerably more flavor and substance than expected. Put Asian food on the table and this bottle suddenly knows exactly why it showed up. — an hour ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Tommasi Le Fornaci — Lugana 2023
Lake Garda, Lombardy, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Made from Turbiana, the signature grape of Lugana, this is a wonderfully approachable expression from vineyards just south of Lake Garda. Soft, fragrant, and effortlessly charming, it favors freshness and delicacy over complexity or weight.

Aromas & Flavors
White peach, pear, citrus, and gentle tropical fruit lead the way, complemented by delicate floral notes and a subtle mineral undertone.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied, fresh, and softly textured. The acidity is lively without being sharp, while the fruit gives the palate a pleasing roundness and an easy, clean finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled fish, shrimp, light pasta, risotto, fresh salads, mild cheeses, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Verdict
An affable, uncomplicated white that knows exactly what it wants to be. Fruity, fresh, delicate, and extremely versatile—one of those bottles equally comfortable at the dinner table, an afternoon gathering, or poured casually without thinking twice.

Did You Know?
Lugana sits along the southern shores of Lake Garda, where clay-rich soils and the lake’s moderating influence provide an excellent environment for Turbiana. The grape is closely related to Verdicchio and is particularly valued for combining freshness, texture, and subtle minerality.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is pure easygoing pleasure. Nothing cerebral or demanding here, just a delightful, softly tropical, gently mineral white that almost anyone can appreciate. Season, occasion, or level of wine experience hardly matters; chill it, pour it, and enjoy. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Dusty Nabor — Grenache 2021
Spear Vineyards, Sta. Rita Hills, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Crafted from 100% Grenache sourced from the renowned Spear Vineyards in Sta. Rita Hills, this small-production wine beautifully captures the freshness and elegance that define California’s premier cool-climate Grenache region.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright raspberry, wild strawberry, red cherry, cranberry, and pomegranate are complemented by subtle white pepper, dried herbs, rose petals, and delicate mineral notes.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, silky tannins, and remarkable balance. Juicy, energetic, and effortlessly drinkable, the wine finishes long, fresh, and inviting without sacrificing complexity.

Food Pairings
Grilled salmon, roast chicken, pork tenderloin, charcuterie, wood-fired pizza, or herb-roasted vegetables.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced expression of Sta. Rita Hills Grenache that showcases purity of fruit, freshness, and finesse. Approachable enough for casual enjoyment yet refined enough to satisfy seasoned wine lovers.

Did You Know?
Sta. Rita Hills is one of California’s coolest wine regions, where strong Pacific Ocean influences allow Grenache to develop vibrant acidity, bright red fruit, and remarkable elegance while retaining exceptional freshness.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is simply one of those bottles that’s impossible not to enjoy. Fresh, juicy, impeccably balanced, and dangerously easy to drink, it’s the kind of wine I’d happily open with friends without overthinking the occasion. Sometimes the best wines are the ones that disappear from the bottle the fastest. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Inglenook — Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Rutherford, Napa Valley, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Crafted from 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Merlot, and 0.5% Petit Verdot, this estate-grown Cabernet showcases the remarkable 2018 Napa Valley vintage. Although positioned below the iconic Rubicon, it delivers the pedigree, precision, and elegance that have defined Inglenook for generations.

Aromas & Flavors
Layers of cassis, blackberry, black cherry, espresso, cedar, and graphite unfold alongside subtle bay leaf, dried herbs, and baking spices. The fruit is generous without excess, allowing Rutherford’s signature savory character to shine.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with polished tannins, vibrant acidity, and exceptional balance. Deep and structured yet remarkably approachable, the wine carries impressive concentration while maintaining finesse through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, dry-aged steak, lamb chops, braised short ribs, wild mushroom dishes, or aged Cheddar and Gouda.

Verdict
An outstanding expression of Rutherford Cabernet that consistently overdelivers. Powerful without being overwhelming, refined without sacrificing depth, it captures the classic Napa profile with remarkable harmony and age-worthy structure.

Did You Know?
Founded in 1879 by Gustave Niebaum, Inglenook is one of Napa Valley’s most historic estates. Under the stewardship of Francis Ford Coppola and renowned winemaker Philippe Bascaules (formerly of Château Margaux), the estate has been meticulously restored to its original vision of producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon.

🍷 Personal Pick
The 2018 and 2019 vintages remain among my favorite recent years from Napa. This bottle is proof that you don’t need to step up to Rubicon to experience the soul of Inglenook. It delivers everything I look for in a classic Napa Cabernet—depth, structure, refined herbaceous character, and effortless balance. A cerebral wine that reminds me why Rutherford continues to be one of the world’s great homes for Cabernet Sauvignon. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

South Mist Regional Reserve Parcel — Sauvignon Blanc 2025
Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Overview
An elevated expression of South Mist Sauvignon Blanc, sourced from a select parcel in Marlborough’s Wairau Valley. Compared with the original bottling, this shows greater structure, concentration, and refinement while retaining the vibrant personality that makes Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc so immediately recognizable.

Aromas & Flavors
Highly aromatic yet beautifully controlled, with grapefruit, lime, passion fruit, guava, and fresh herbs. The tropical character is expressive without becoming overwhelming, allowing citrus and subtle green notes to provide freshness and definition.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied with crisp, zesty acidity and considerably more structure than the standard bottling. Vibrant and energetic through the mid-palate, yet polished and delicate, leading to an exceptionally clean and persistent finish.

Food Pairings
Oysters, grilled shrimp, ceviche, goat cheese, fresh salads, sushi, or simply grilled white fish.

Verdict
A noticeable step up from the original South Mist. It keeps the aromatic exuberance Marlborough lovers expect but adds finesse, structure, and a more composed finish. Particularly impressive considering the approachable price point.

Did You Know?
The Wairau Valley is Marlborough’s historic heartland and is particularly celebrated for Sauvignon Blanc. Its abundant sunshine, cool nights, and free-draining soils help produce wines with intense aromatics while preserving the vibrant acidity that defines the region.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is where South Mist becomes considerably more interesting for me. The aromatics are still through the roof, but everything feels better controlled—more structure, more finesse, and a lovely lingering finish. Delicious, affordable, and ridiculously easy to keep around; a terrific everyday cellar staple. — an hour ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

San Marzano EDDA — Bianco 2022
Salento IGP, Puglia, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A true IGP-minded blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Fiano, and 20% White Moscatel, bringing international and native varieties together with purpose. Chardonnay provides the backbone, Fiano contributes Mediterranean character and tension, while White Moscatel adds aromatic lift. A cerebral southern Italian white with considerably more going on than the first sip suggests.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe peach, apricot, yellow apple, citrus, and delicate floral notes unfold into subtle tropical and aromatic nuances. The fruit is generous but never one-dimensional.

Mouthfeel
Medium- to full-bodied, layered, and textured, with enough acidity and tension to keep the richness controlled. Aging in French barriques on the lees adds depth and roundness, while the Fiano helps maintain freshness and character.

Food Pairings
Grilled fish, roasted chicken, seafood risotto, creamy pasta, grilled vegetables, or richer Mediterranean dishes.

Verdict
Not a patio pounder—and that is precisely its charm. EDDA has structure, personality, and enough layers to make you slow down and pay attention. A thoughtful blend that uses Chardonnay as its foundation without allowing Chardonnay to dominate the conversation.

Did You Know?
“Edda” means “she” in the local Puglian dialect. Its unconventional blend and Salento IGP designation give San Marzano considerable freedom to combine Chardonnay with the distinctly southern Italian personality of Fiano and aromatic White Moscatel.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is my kind of cerebral white: stone-fruited, layered, textured, and carrying just enough tension to activate the senses. It isn’t asking to disappear quickly from the glass, it wants you to think about what you’re drinking. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Trader Joe’s Reserve — Grenache Blanc Lot #281 vintage 2025. Paso Robles, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Crafted from 100% Grenache Blanc, this Paso Robles white is a refreshing reminder that outstanding value can still be found in unexpected places. Bright, youthful, and beautifully balanced, it delivers far more character and quality than its modest price tag would suggest.

Aromas & Flavors
Citrus blossom, mandarin orange, pear, white peach, and a touch of underripe stone fruit are complemented by subtle minerality and delicate floral notes.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied with vibrant acidity and a crisp, energetic profile. Fresh, juicy, and wonderfully balanced, finishing clean with a refreshing mineral edge.

Food Pairings
Fresh green salads, grilled shrimp, ceviche, fish tacos, goat cheese, or light Mediterranean dishes.

Verdict
An impressive everyday white that punches well above its price point. Approachable, refreshing, and effortlessly enjoyable, it’s the kind of bottle that quietly earns a permanent place in the refrigerator.

Did You Know?
Many Trader Joe’s Reserve wines are produced by established wineries under private labels. While the producer often remains undisclosed, these wines can offer exceptional value by delivering quality without the marketing costs associated with well-known brands.

🍷 Personal Pick
I bought this bottle out of pure curiosity—and curiosity paid off. It’s fresh, vibrant, and surprisingly expressive, proving that price doesn’t always dictate pleasure. This is the kind of wine that makes you stop and wonder why you hadn’t picked it up sooner. Pour it well chilled, watch the sunset, and let the bottle disappear naturally. — a month ago