Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Shirah Grenache 2021
Shirah Wine Co. – 100% Grenache
Central Coast, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A single-varietal Grenache sourced from Central Coast vineyards, produced in a straightforward, honest style. This 2021 leans toward a juicy, fruit-forward expression with a slightly rustic edge, emphasizing freshness and drinkability over polish. Alcohol sits around 14.6%, and the wine is made kosher (not mevushal), with a transparent, minimal-intervention approach.

Aromas & Flavors
Cranberry, tart red cherry, and pomegranate lead the profile, followed by subtle herbal and earthy undertones. A light peppery note and hints of dried Mediterranean herbs add dimension without overpowering the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Medium-light body with accented acidity. The texture is straightforward and energetic rather than plush, keeping the wine lively and easygoing. The finish is short but clean, reinforcing its casual, everyday character.

Food Pairings
Grilled chicken or turkey, lamb skewers, roasted vegetables, tomato-based dishes, or simple Mediterranean fare. Works well slightly chilled.

Verdict
An approachable, juicy Grenache with rustic charm and refreshing acidity. Not complex or long, but enjoyable and honest, a solid, easy-drinking red with food-friendly versatility. — 2 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Armand de Brignac “Rosé” Brut – NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A prestige multi-vintage Rosé Champagne crafted from estate-owned vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, including Rilly-la-Montagne, Chigny-les-Roses, and Ludes. Blend composition; predominantly Pinot Noir, supported by Chardonnay and a smaller proportion of Pinot Meunier, with a measured addition of still red Pinot Noir wine to achieve its delicate rosé hue. Produced in small batches, this cuvée emphasizes finesse, purity, and subtlety rather than power.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh wild strawberry, raspberry, and red cherry glide out gently, followed by rose petal, citrus zest, and faint brioche notes. The fruit profile is precise and lifted, with a quiet chalky undertone and restrained pastry character.

Mouthfeel
Exceptionally delicate and refined. The mousse is fine and silky, with bright acidity carrying the wine effortlessly across the palate. Light-bodied for Champagne, elegant and poised, finishing clean and graceful without weight or richness.

Food Pairings
Tuna tartare, salmon sashimi, shellfish, light charcuterie, soft cheeses, or as an elegant aperitif in good company.

Verdict
Not my preferred Champagne style, but undeniably well executed. Subtle, polished, and extremely delicate, this Rosé delivers finesse over intensity and proves its quality through balance and restraint.

Did You Know?
Armand de Brignac Rosé is assembled using multiple vintages and finished with the traditional Champagne method, with each bottle completed by hand, a rarity among luxury Champagne brands.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A memorable experience enjoyed with friends, especially alongside the Gold Brut from the same house, a beautiful contrast of delicacy versus depth. — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Bella Union – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A polished Napa Cabernet from the Far Niente family, crafted to deliver plush fruit, approachability, and a recognizable house style in the mid-upper tier market. Blended with small amounts of Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties for balance and softness.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, dark cherry, cocoa, vanilla, and sweet baking spice. Subtle oak toast adds warmth without overwhelming the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, smooth, and rounded with ripe tannins and a supple, easy-flowing texture. Comforting rather than challenging; well-executed and balanced.

Food Pairings
Short ribs, grilled ribeye, mushroom burgers, aged Gouda, or rosemary lamb chops.

Verdict
A solid, high-quality Napa Cabernet that delivers exactly what it promises: richness, fruit-forward appeal, and premium polish. Not groundbreaking, but dependable, enjoyable, and consumer-friendly.

Did You Know?
Bella Union was launched by Far Niente to specifically highlight Napa Valley Cabernet with vineyard diversity, sourcing from Rutherford, Oakville, and beyond, allowing more stylistic freedom than the flagship estate wines. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Renieri – Re di Renieri – 2021
Toscana IGT – Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A Bordeaux-inspired Super Tuscan blend made from organically grown grapes: 60% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Petit Verdot. Modern in style but deeply Tuscan in attitude — bold, structured, and expressive.

Aromas & Flavors
Black plum, blackberry compote, cassis, licorice, graphite, and dried herbs, with hints of cocoa and cedar. Dark, savory, and layered.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, dry, and punchy with assertive tannins and fresh acidity. Youthful power and drive, but well-integrated structure. Long, spicy finish.

Food Pairings
Bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised short ribs, wild boar ragù, aged pecorino, or grilled portobello mushrooms.

Verdict
An impactful, character-driven Super Tuscan that flexes richness, structure, and attitude. Not shy, but compelling and delicious.

Did You Know?
Renieri is part of the Bacci family of estates, known for farming organically long before it became fashionable in Tuscany, and for crafting expressive reds with a distinct volcanic-soil signature. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Union Sacré Wines “Sangio” – Sangiovese – 2024
Paso Robles, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A chillable, carbonic-fermented Sangiovese crafted in a fresh, playful style. Unfined and unfiltered, this 2024 bottling leans into vibrancy and drinkability rather than structure or oak influence. Designed to be served cold, it highlights Sangiovese’s natural acidity and red-fruit purity in an easygoing, modern expression.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright and inviting, with fresh cherry, cranberry, and wild strawberry at the forefront. Hints of pomegranate and subtle herbal notes follow, keeping the profile lively and clean rather than savory or earthy.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied and energetic, driven by crisp acidity and a smooth, supple texture. The carbonic lift makes it affable and refreshing, with no tannic grip to weigh it down. Extremely easy to drink.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie, simple pizzas, tomato-based pastas, grilled vegetables, fried chicken, or picnic-friendly fare. Equally enjoyable on its own as a chilled aperitif.

Verdict
A charming, approachable take on Sangiovese that prioritizes freshness and fun. Not a traditional expression, but a well-executed chillable red that delivers exactly what it promises.

Did You Know?
Carbonic fermentation enhances fruit-forward aromas and soft textures, making wines like this especially suited for chilling and early enjoyment.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A dangerously drinkable chillable red — the kind of bottle that disappears quickly and keeps you reaching for another pour. — 14 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Far Niente – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2022 🇺🇸
Napa Valley, California

Overview
An outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon showing remarkable structure and exceptional mouthfeel. Dark-fruited, intense, and beautifully multi-layered, a textbook Far Niente expression crafted with finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and plum lead the charge, supported by subtle cocoa, graphite, and warm spice. The layers reveal themselves gradually, each turn more compelling than the last.

Mouthfeel
Polished, concentrated, and silky with balanced tannins. The weight is assertive yet refined, a seamless glide across the palate.

Food Pairings
Perfect with grilled ribeye, slow-braised short ribs, truffle-infused dishes, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
Well made, well structured, and beautifully expressive. This 2022 vintage captures everything one expects from Far Niente: elegance, depth, and a long, confident finish. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Nickel & Nickel – Vaca Vista Vineyard – Cab Sauv– 2022
Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A single-vineyard Napa Cabernet sourced from the cool and elegant Oak Knoll District. Fermented and aged with the classic Nickel & Nickel precision, this expression favors balance, red-to-dark fruit purity, and structure over sheer power. A modern Napa style that emphasizes approachability without sacrificing depth.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, cassis, plum, and violet, with cedar, vanilla, graphite, and a touch of baking spice. Subtle oak integration allows the fruit and minerality to shine.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus in body, polished, and cohesive. Fresh acidity, supple tannins, and a graceful arc from entry to finish. Not a bruiser — a refined, cooler-climate profile that stays lively and lifted.

Food Pairings
Flat iron steak, short ribs, mushroom risotto, grilled lamb chops, herb-crusted pork tenderloin, or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, site-driven Napa Cabernet that delivers both sophistication and drinkability. Finessed rather than forceful, and a strong example of why Oak Knoll continues to be one of Napa’s most exciting AVAs for Cabernet.

Did You Know?
Nickel & Nickel was founded by the Far Niente family with a mission to produce 100% varietal, single-vineyard wines, showcasing Napa’s terroir with clarity. Oak Knoll is one of Napa Valley’s coolest sub-AVAs, producing elegant, aromatic reds with natural acidity and restraint.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Oak Knoll being a single-vineyard expression from this sub-AVA makes it one of the easiest, most easygoing Cabernets from the Napa floor, and I always like to have it as an opener when pouring more intense Napa reds. A perfect warm-up that sets the stage beautifully. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Armand de Brignac “Demi-Sec” – NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A multi-vintage Demi-Sec Champagne crafted from estate-owned vineyards in the Montagne de Reims. Blend composition; Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier, with a notably higher dosage designed to emphasize sweetness and roundness over tension and dryness.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe stone fruit, candied citrus peel, honey, and baked apple, with soft pastry notes and a distinctly sweet aromatic profile.

Mouthfeel
Broad and creamy, with gentle mousse and low perceived acidity. The sweetness dominates the palate, creating a rich but heavy impression rather than freshness or precision.

Food Pairings
Fruit-based desserts, pastries, or blue cheese. Best suited to pairing with sweetness rather than as an aperitif.

Verdict
Well made and technically correct, but stylistically not for me. The sweetness outweighs balance and vibrancy, making it less appealing compared to classic Brut expressions.

Did You Know?
Demi-Sec Champagne contains significantly higher residual sugar than Brut styles and was historically popular for dessert pairings and celebratory occasions.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
For sweet wine cravings, I would rather reach for Tokaji or Sauternes, where sweetness is matched with greater complexity and structure. — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.8

Armand de Brignac “Gold” Brut – NV
Champagne, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A prestige multi-vintage Champagne, composed of three distinct vintages sourced exclusively from estate-owned Grand Cru and Premier Cru parcels in Rilly-la-Montagne, Chigny-les-Roses, and Ludes. Blend composition; 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier.

Handcrafted in small batches, this cuvée exemplifies depth, polish, and harmony, a benchmark luxury Champagne that delivers substance beyond the spectacle. Dosage is kept discreet, allowing purity, texture, and natural vinosity to shine.

Aromas & Flavors
Golden apple, ripe pear, and baked quince lead the nose, followed by brioche, toasted hazelnut, almond cream, and hints of citrus oil. Subtle honeyed notes and chalky minerality add impressive aromatic layering.

Mouthfeel
Silky yet energetic. The mousse is fine and persistent, framing a palate that is both rich and precise. Chardonnay provides lift and elegance, Pinot Noir adds structure and depth, while Pinot Meunier rounds the mid-palate. Long, polished finish, lingering but never heavy or fatiguing.

Food Pairings
Caviar, lobster with beurre blanc, sashimi, truffled poultry, aged Comté, or simply on its own as a statement aperitif.

Verdict
A spectacular Champagne that justifies its prestige. Complex, impeccably balanced, and deeply satisfying, the Gold Brut delivers true luxury through craftsmanship and terroir, not excess.

Did You Know?
Armand de Brignac is produced by the Cattier family, whose Champagne lineage dates back to 1763. Unlike many prestige cuvées, the Gold Brut is crafted from 100% estate fruit, with each bottle riddled, disgorged, and finished by hand , a rarity at this scale.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
One of the most delicious Champagnes tasted recently, memorable and worth the investment. — 2 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Haut-Bages Libéral – Red blend – 2022
Pauillac AOC – Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
Left Bank classicism meets modern precision. A Cabernet-dominant blend at 87% and 13% Merlot that showcases Pauillac’s hallmark structure wrapped in surprising elegance. Certified organic and biodynamic, made by Claire Villars-Lurton, one of the leading women in Bordeaux.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, graphite, cedar, plum skin, and violets with subtle tobacco leaf, pencil shavings, and cocoa. Young, fresh, and layered.

Mouthfeel
Medium-plus to full-bodied with refined tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished, seamless texture. Harmonious and structured with a delicious, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, ribeye, duck breast, mushroom ragù, or aged Comté.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced, terroir-driven Pauillac that delivers finesse without sacrificing power. Delicious now, but built to evolve gracefully.

Did You Know?
Château Haut-Bages Libéral is a Fifth Growth from the 1855 Classification, situated next on to Château Latour. The “Libéral” family were 18th-century négociants who selected some of Pauillac’s best parcels, many still form the estate today. — 6 days ago