Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Alpine Roots Humagne Rouge 2023, AOC Valais, Switzerland 🇨🇭

Overview
100% Humagne Rouge, an indigenous Alpine variety from the Valais region of Switzerland. Grown in steep mountain vineyards with strong sun exposure and cool alpine influence. A terroir-driven wine that reflects the purity, freshness, and rustic charm of Swiss mountain viticulture.

Aromas & Flavors
Wild dark berries, red currant, cocoa powder, subtle dried herbs, and a touch of alpine earthiness. The fruit remains fresh while savory tones begin to emerge with air.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium body with soft edges and refined rusticity. Gentle tannins and bright acidity keep the wine lively and approachable. A textured palate that leans savory rather than fruit-heavy.

Food Pairings
Charcuterie, roasted poultry, mushroom dishes, alpine cheeses, lamb sausages, or herb-driven Mediterranean dishes.

Verdict
Distinctive and surprisingly charming. A wine that doesn’t try to imitate global varieties but instead celebrates its mountain identity. Approachable, food-friendly, and quietly intriguing.

Did You Know?
Humagne Rouge is native to the Swiss Alps and thrives in the steep terraces of Valais, where intense sunlight and cool mountain nights help maintain freshness and aromatic clarity.

🍷 Personal Pick
A wonderful curveball wine. Rustic, cocoa-tinged, and incredibly food friendly, the kind of bottle that makes people ask, “Wait… Switzerland makes wine?” — 2 months ago

Tom Barras

9.3

The 2013 vintage enjoyed Classic cool weather, and the 2013 San Polo reveals what old time Brunellos were like prior to global warming. It is medium bodied, colorful, with persistent fruit and underbrush aromatics; flavorsome, balanced, crisp and energetic with refined tannins. Lovely wine. — a year ago

Lyle Fass

Founder Fass Selections

9.4

Needed something a bit more predictable after that Overnoy. Step right up JJ Girard. Maddeningly consistent. Love this version of a great 1er Cru. Global warming is helping Beaune 1er Crus.

Nose is tight but has lovely spice, dark flowers and black cherries. This is such a serious 1er Cru. Wispy sour cherry, herbs. Super complex and opening by the minute. Fruit filling in big time. Sour cherry, dark cherries, early season cherries. Brambly now. So pretty and deep. Perfect hint of framing oak. Girard is so good. Palate is just gorgeous. Young but awesome. Showing some wood but huge sap, density and really fresh. Girard is always invigorating. Good concentration and really black fruited palate. Black cherries and they are so clear. Long palate staining finish. Persistent. So juicy and with such a serious structure. Plus that just maddeningly consistently delicious Girard fruit. — 4 years ago

Tom Barras

9.5

Then 2013 Salvioni La Cerbaiola is drop dead Gorgeous in all aspects, including the deep, dark and dense ruby-red, garnet appearance, the fruit-laden, perfumed aromatics and flavors, as well as the well balanced structure of ample fruit, medium acidity, and gentle tannins at the long satisfying finish.

Overall, it’s medium/full, particularly elegant and vibrant, from a cooler than normal vintage that many described as a “return to classicism.” I’m unfamiliar with older vintages (prior to global warming) but this is MY style of Brunello. Refined, Classy and a Joy to swirl, sniff and savor.
— 7 months ago

Tom Casagrande

9.2

Intense but way softer and fruitier than expected, likely due to vintage conditions. Intensely mineral on the nose but vying for primacy with copious amount of deep orchard fruit (greengage?). Rich and intense in the mouth. Lowish acids. Very very good but seemingly atypical (or maybe this is global warming typical). — a year ago

with Rebecca and Angelo

Tom Casagrande

9.2

This is a great value in a CDR that tastes the way CDRs used to taste before global warming. Nose has lots of spicy dark berry fruit, and loads of assorted roasted green herbs and minerally, earthy notes. It’s bright and intense on the palate. Just ripe enough, not jammy at all. Tons of clingy, savory elements. Soft textured, with good acidity. More please! — 2 years ago

Joshua Figg

9.0

Typical light Chianti. Fruity, quite a bit of acidity. Not bad! — 5 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Armagedon 2017 – Hevron Heights Winery
Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A bold red blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Syrah, aged for 24 months in French oak. Produced by Hevron Heights Winery, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the Judean Hills — one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world, now regaining global recognition for producing structured, world-class wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep and concentrated, with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dried herbs, layered with espresso, cedar, and a touch of vanilla from the extended oak aging. The palate shows dark fruits, cassis, blackberry compote, and hints of spice and earthy tobacco.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, robust, and structured with firm tannins and notable concentration. The finish is long, lingering with both fruit and savory oak-driven notes. Still youthful but beginning to soften beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
Carefully selected fruit, traditional vinification, and extended oak maturation (24 months in French barriques) yield a wine that balances richness with complexity. Built for longevity.

Food Pairing
Pairs perfectly with roasted lamb, beef short ribs, or spiced Mediterranean dishes. Also a great match with aged cheeses.

Verdict
A powerful, age-worthy red from the Judean Hills, Armagedon 2017 showcases both the depth of the blend and the rising reputation of Israel’s terroir. A bottle that commands attention and rewards patience. Cheers! — 9 months ago

TH

9.4

白ソーセージで有名な、ヴァイセルブロイハウスの白ビール。麦芽が生きたコクがあり爽やかなに味わい。午前中から飲める — a year ago

Traci Bartkus

9.5

Resident Christmas party, found at the Cellar — 2 years ago