Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Gérard Bertrand – Orange Gold – 2023
Vin de France – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A thoughtfully crafted orange wine made from a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Grenache Blanc, 15% Viognier, 10% Muscat, and 5% Gewürztraminer. This is a cerebral, texture-driven expression that leans into aromatic intensity and phenolic structure rather than immediate approachability.

Aromas & Flavors
Honeysuckle, ripe peach, and orange peel lead the profile, followed by roasted almonds and subtle spice. A gentle grapefruit-like bitterness adds lift, while floral and exotic notes from Muscat and Gewürztraminer bring complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a distinctive textured grip. Light tannic astringency from skin contact gives structure, balanced by fresh acidity. The interplay between softness and phenolic tension keeps the palate engaged throughout.

Food Pairings
Glass noodles with vegetables and shrimp, Mediterranean dishes, roasted poultry, spiced cuisine, or dishes with umami depth. A strong performer at the table.

Verdict
A fascinating and layered orange wine that rewards attention. This wine can be an acquired taste when enjoyed on its own, but truly shines when paired with food. A true “thinking wine.”

Did You Know?
Orange wines are made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, similar to red wine production, extracting tannins, color, and structure rarely found in traditional white wines.

🍷 Personal Pick
A wine that keeps your brain really busy, in the best way. Pair it with food and it absolutely shines. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Cicinis, Attems 2024– Collio DOC – Sauvignon Blanc – Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Sauvignon Blanc from the Collio DOC. The 2024 vintage benefits from a fresher growing season, resulting in a more vibrant and aromatic expression compared with the prior year.

Aromas & Flavors
Highly aromatic with herbaceous notes of sage and asparagus layered with citrus, green apple, and subtle tropical hints.

Mouthfeel
Crisp acidity with a medium-to-full body. Lively, energetic, and expressive with excellent freshness.

Food Pairings
Seafood crudo, oysters, goat cheese, herb-driven dishes, grilled vegetables.

Verdict
The standout of the vertical. Vibrant, aromatic, and energetic with excellent freshness and lift.

Did You Know?
Collio is considered one of Italy’s most prestigious regions for Sauvignon Blanc due to its Ponca soils (marl and sandstone), which contribute minerality and aromatic intensity.

🍷 Personal Pick
The clear winner of the vertical tasting vs 2023, this v24 is bright, more expressive, and has a more beautiful fresh.
— 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Mony “Grand Via” 2019 — Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
The estate’s pinnacle expression. Composition: 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec. Aged 32 months in French oak. A flagship wine designed for depth, longevity, and layered complexity.

Aromas & Flavors
Intense dark cherry, blackberry, cassis, vanilla, espresso, tobacco, and smoky oak. Aromatically powerful yet controlled.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and deeply structured. Dense core of fruit supported by firm, polished tannins. Complex and multidimensional, with a very long, commanding finish. Already cruising into its prime, with 10–15 years of evolution ahead.

Food Pairings
Prime cuts of beef, slow-roasted lamb, duck confit, aged hard cheeses, or rich Mediterranean cuisine.

Verdict
Power with discipline. Grand Via reflects precision winemaking and serious aging ambition. Complex, layered, and confidently mature, a benchmark wine for the estate.

Did You Know?
Extended barrel aging (32 months) significantly shapes texture and aromatic development, especially in Cabernet-dominant blends, enhancing both longevity and structural depth.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of the most compelling wines I’ve tasted recently. Grand, polished, and unapologetically expressive, a wine that commands attention and rewards patience. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Château Kirwan 2023 – Margaux, Grand Cru Classé. BDX France 🇫🇷

Overview
A poised and expressive Margaux showing immediate charm while clearly structured for further evolution, delivering finesse, persistence, and a notably elongated finish compared to its peers in the flight.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, wild strawberry, ripe raspberry, crushed rose petal, subtle vanilla, sweet spice, light cedar, gentle graphite undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins, excellent mid-palate energy, lifted acidity, and a long, persistent, and increasingly intense finish that carries well beyond the sip.

Food Pairings
Duck confit, herb-roasted chicken, veal chop with mushroom jus, lamb loin, aged Comté.

Verdict
Head-to-head with Château Prieuré-Lichine in overall quality, but Kirwan separates itself on finish length and persistence. Already surprisingly enjoyable today while still clearly benefiting from additional bottle age.

🍷 Personal Pick
The surprise overachiever of the Margaux flight, already fun now, but patience will unlock its real podium potential. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Château du Tertre 2023 – Margaux, Grand Cru Classé en 1855. BDX France 🇫🇷

Overview
An elegant yet youthful Margaux showing fine aromatic lift and classical structure, with slightly rustic edges that reflect its early stage of development. Built for evolution rather than immediate polish.

Aromas & Flavors
Red cherry, wild strawberry, cranberry, dried rose petal, cedarwood, light tobacco, crushed gravel, subtle savory herbs.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with firm, slightly angular tannins, bright acidity, linear drive through the mid-palate, and a finish that shows youthful grip and tension rather than full polish.

Food Pairings
Herb-roasted chicken, veal chop, mushroom tart, grilled pork loin, semi-firm alpine cheeses.

Verdict
A classic, traditionally styled Margaux that will reward patience. The structure and aromatics are in place, but time is needed to soften edges and bring greater harmony and depth.

🍷 Personal Pick
Not quite ready to attack the palate as a typical Margaux yet — but the line is correct. Give this a couple years and it will smooth out beautifully. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Realm Cellars – Farella Vineyard – Red– 2021
Coombsville AVA – Napa Valley – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A site-driven, estate Cabernet Sauvignon from Realm Cellars’ Farella Vineyard in the cool-climate Coombsville AVA. The 2021 vintage is composed of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from a high-elevation block within the vineyard known as the “rockpile,” named for its dense concentration of stone and gravel soils. This unique position in the foothills of the Vaca Mountains delivers natural freshness, complexity, and refined structure.

Aromas & Flavors
Layered aromas of red and black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum unfold alongside graphite, crushed stone, subtle floral tones, and hints of cedar. As the wine opens, nuanced notes of spice, earth, and mineral depth continue to build, revealing impressive complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with a remarkably polished and silky texture. The tannins are refined and seamless, offering structure without weight. Fresh acidity from the cool Coombsville site carries the wine effortlessly through a long, graceful finish.

Food Pairings
Herb-crusted lamb, grilled filet mignon, roasted duck breast, mushroom-forward dishes, or aged hard cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully composed Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon that emphasizes elegance over brute force. Complex, multi-layered, and progressively expressive, this is a refined interpretation of mountain-influenced Coombsville Cabernet.

Did You Know?
Coombsville is one of Napa Valley’s coolest AVAs, influenced by morning fog and volcanic soils from the Vaca Mountain range, often producing Cabernets with heightened aromatic complexity and natural acidity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
I was genuinely surprised by how smooth and delicate this wine is for a site of such intensity. Multi-layered, graceful, and beautifully balanced, it’s an exceptional Cabernet that showcases finesse as much as depth. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

Moraga Bel Air – Sauvignon Blanc – Vintage 2016
Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A luminous 100% Sauvignon Blanc from Los Angeles’ hidden hillside vineyard. Still youthful at nearly a decade, it shows the structure and balance that suggests it can comfortably evolve for another 10 years, rare for the varietal.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh citrus zest, white peach, and green apple interlace with waxy honeysuckle, and a faint nutty undertone. It almost evokes Semillon in its depth, yet it’s purely Sauvignon Blanc showing its layered side.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, polished, and rounded with bright acidity that lifts a textured, almost creamy mid-palate. The finish is long, citrus-driven, and delicately mineral.

Food Pairings
An excellent partner for sushi, seared scallops, lemon-herb chicken, or aged goat cheese. Its evolving structure would also hold up well against richer shellfish dishes like lobster.

Verdict
Elegant, refined, and deceptively age-worthy. Moraga’s Sauvignon Blanc continues to surprise with its longevity and complexity, this 2016 will only grow more profound with time.

Did You Know?
Moraga Bel Air is one of the only commercial vineyards within the city of Los Angeles, planted on ancient seabed soils just a few miles from Hollywood. Its whites and reds have quietly earned cult status among insiders.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This one floored me, it’s Sauvignon Blanc but whispers like Semillon, with grace, depth, and staying power. Proof that LA can make world-class, cellar-worthy whites. — 8 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Trader Joe’s — Reserve Lot #258 Pinot Gris 2025 — Willamette Valley, Oregon. United States 🇺🇸

Overview
A lively and expressive 100% Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, crafted in a fresh, approachable style that overdelivers at its price point. Compared to the previous vintage, the 2025 shows a more savory edge and greater vibrancy right from the first pour.

Aromas & Flavors
Lemon zest, ripe pear, green apple, and subtle orchard fruit layered with a lightly savory touch and clean citrus lift.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with bright, energetic acidity. The wine feels more alive and immediately expressive, with a crisp, refreshing texture and a clean, polished finish.

Food Pairings
Light seafood, grilled chicken, salads, picnic fare, or simply on its own as an easy, everyday sipper.

Verdict
A standout value that hits the mark effortlessly. Fresh, vibrant, and well-balanced, this vintage elevates the experience with added liveliness and savory nuance.

Did You Know?
Pinot Gris from cooler climates like Willamette Valley often shows a balance of fresh acidity and subtle savory tones, especially in vintages where ripening conditions preserve both fruit and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick
This vintage really hit the spot, more alive, more savory, and incredibly satisfying from the first sip. At this price, it’s hard to beat.
— 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

KEF by Karas White 2023, Armavir, Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview
A lively and approachable white blend from the Armavir region in Armenia’s Ararat Valley. Produced by the team behind Karas Wines, this wine blends 60% Kangun (an indigenous Armenian grape) with 40% Chenin Blanc, combining local heritage with international structure. The name “Kef” derives from the Armenian word for feast or celebration, reflecting the wine’s convivial and easy-drinking spirit.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh grapefruit, white flowers, citrus peel, and subtle mineral notes. The Chenin Blanc adds brightness and lift while Kangun contributes texture and gentle orchard-fruit character.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and refreshing vibrancy. Smooth and clean on the palate with a lively, food-friendly finish.

Food Pairings
Mediterranean mezze, grilled vegetables, seafood, fresh salads, herb-driven dishes, or light poultry.

Verdict
A fun and compelling blend that highlights Armenia’s indigenous Kangun while remaining accessible through Chenin Blanc’s familiar structure. Underrated, refreshing, and very easy to enjoy.

Did You Know?
Armenia is considered one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, with winemaking traditions dating back more than 6,000 years, including the discovery of the world’s oldest known winery in the Areni cave complex.

🍷 Personal Pick
A vibrant and joyful wine that delivers authenticity and approachability at the same time. A great introduction to Armenian whites while still showcasing the personality of Kangun. — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Penfolds Bin 389 Cabernet Shiraz 2023
South Australia 🇦🇺

Overview
A more tightly wound and concentrated expression of Bin 389, showcasing the same Cabernet-Shiraz framework (Cabernet for backbone, Shiraz for richness) but delivered with greater tension, density, and youthful drive. This vintage leans more serious and structured than 2022, highlighting the fascinating impact vintage conditions have on balance, ripeness, and extraction in agricultural wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Intense blackcurrant, crushed blackberry, dark cherry, and graphite dominate the aromatics, layered with fresh cedar, cocoa nib, and subtle minty spice. The palate is compact and powerful, showing darker fruit concentration, savory spice, and tightly coiled oak structure that promises excellent evolution with time.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and more compact than the 2022. Tannins are firmer and more youthful, giving a punchier, more linear profile. The wine feels energetic and focused, with impressive density and length, clearly built for further integration.

Food Pairings
Char-grilled steak or venison. Slow-braised beef cheeks. Pepper-crusted lamb. Smoked meats and firm aged cheeses.

Verdict
A bolder, more muscular Bin 389 that trades immediate plushness for intensity and aging potential. A striking reminder of how vintage variation shapes personality, same blueprint, very different expression.

Did You Know?
Penfolds sources fruit for Bin 389 from multiple South Australian regions, blending different terroirs and climates to build complexity, consistency, and layered structure across vintages.

🍷 Personal Pick
If you enjoy tracking wine evolution, this is a fantastic candidate for short-to-mid-term cellaring, revisit in a few years to watch the structure melt into harmony. Also check my previous 2022 review!
— 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Château Lynch-Bages 2023 – Pauillac, Grand Cru Classé, BDX, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A powerful, structurally driven Pauillac showing serious depth and long-term ambition, built on a 71% Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant blend with 22% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot support. The wine carries muscular architecture, dark fruit density, and firm tannic authority, currently showing some youthful rough edges but clearly positioned for future greatness with proper cellaring.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, cassis liqueur, blackberry skin, graphite, cedar plank, crushed gravel, tobacco leaf, dark cocoa and subtle savory spice.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied with firm, youthful tannins, strong mid-palate grip, vibrant supporting acidity, dense core concentration, and a long, structured finish that signals serious aging capacity.

Food Pairings
Dry-aged ribeye, grilled lamb chops, beef short ribs, rosemary-crusted venison, aged hard cheeses, slow-braised meats.

Verdict
A high-potential Pauillac still in its formative phase. The structure, depth, and terroir signature are undeniable, but integration will require time. A climber rather than a polished performer today, patience will be rewarded handsomely.

🍷 Personal Pick
This feels like a future star in development, powerful, slightly raw, but absolutely loaded with upside. Not a wine for instant gratification, but one that will evolve into something truly special with time. I’d happily cellar this and revisit around 2029 when the polish finally matches the horsepower. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Castillo Clavijo – Rioja Blanco – 2024
Rioja DOCa | Spain 🇪🇸

Overview:
A very casual, approachable white from Rioja DOCa, a region better known for reds, this bottle delivers exactly what it promises: simplicity, freshness, and value. Viura-driven, made in a clean, straightforward style that favors easy drinking over complexity.

Aromas & Flavors:
Fresh and subtle with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and soft white florals. There’s a gentle herbal edge typical of Viura, but nothing overt or demanding, clean and unfussy.

Mouthfeel:
Light- to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity. Smooth, easygoing, and crisp, finishing clean without weight or oak influence.

Food Pairings:
Grilled fish, light salads, seafood tapas, simple chicken dishes, or anything olive-oil driven. A reliable companion at the table without stealing the spotlight.

Verdict:
A “does-the-job” Rioja white that makes sense on the value side. Not meant to rival more serious white Rioja expressions, but a pleasant, practical option from a red-dominant region, especially when you want something uncomplicated and food-friendly.

Did You Know?
Viura (also known as Macabeo) is Rioja’s primary white grape, capable of both simple, fresh wines like this and age-worthy, complex whites when blended or oak-aged.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is the kind of easy, reliable white you reach for when you want something light, affordable, and regionally honest, proof that Rioja can still deliver on the white side, even if reds remain its calling card. — 6 months 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. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Paul Hobbs – Pinot Noir / 2023
Russian River Valley AVA – Sonoma County / California / USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Pinot Noir from select vineyard sites across the Russian River Valley. A refined, cool-climate expression that balances depth, structure, and elegance, showcasing Paul Hobbs’ precision-driven style.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and dark cherry, raspberry, and plum, layered with subtle baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of forest floor. Oak is present but beautifully restrained, more of a whisper than a statement.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ body with a silky, polished texture. Structured yet graceful, with fine tannins and vibrant acidity. The wine moves seamlessly across the palate, fluid, lifted, and balanced.

Food Pairings
Duck breast, roasted chicken, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or earthy dishes with herbs.

Verdict
A Pinot Noir that bridges complexity and drinkability. Layered and structured, yet effortlessly elegant, this is Russian River precision at a high level.

🍷 Did You Know?
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir owes much of its finesse to diurnal shifts, warm days build ripeness, while cool, foggy nights preserve acidity and aromatic detail.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is where Pinot becomes expressive without trying too hard. The oak is dialed in, the texture is silky, and the balance is spot on. It doesn’t shout, it truly danced in my palate! Cheers! — 3 months ago

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?” — 4 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

10

Torbreck RunRig Shiraz–Viognier 2021
Barossa Valley, South Australia 🇦🇺

Overview: 
A monumental Barossa Rhône-inspired powerhouse blend of approximately 98% Shiraz and 2% Viognier, delivering extraordinary depth, concentration, and architectural structure while retaining aromatic lift and finesse. This is Barossa at its most commanding yet disciplined, massive fruit density wrapped in precision, energy, and length. A wine that commands attention, rewards contemplation, and delivers relentless momentum from first sip to finish.

Aromas & Flavors: 
Explosive black plum, blackberry compote, cassis, and dark cherry saturate the nose, layered with violets, smoked spice, cocoa nib, graphite, and subtle savory meat tones. The palate unfolds in waves of black fruit intensity, crushed stone minerality, licorice, espresso, and warm spice, finishing long, deep, and persistently resonant.

Mouthfeel: 
Full-bodied, muscular, and impeccably structured with commanding tannins that feel polished rather than aggressive. Immense mid-palate density is balanced by freshness and lift, creating a sense of power without heaviness. The texture is authoritative, layered, and built for long-term evolution.

Food Pairings: 
Dry-aged ribeye or wagyu. Slow-braised lamb shank with rosemary and garlic. Venison with black cherry reduction. Smoked brisket. Aged hard cheeses such as Comté, Manchego, or aged Gouda.

Verdict: 
A truly elite expression of modern Barossa Shiraz, concentrated, complex, and unapologetically serious while remaining beautifully balanced and energetic. This is a reference-point wine that delivers immediate impact and exceptional cellar potential.

Did You Know?: 
RunRig is sourced from some of Barossa’s oldest and most revered Shiraz vineyards, with Viognier co-fermented in the traditional Northern Rhône style to enhance aromatic complexity, texture, and freshness.

🍷 Personal Pick: 
This wine completely captured my heart 100%, layered, commanding, and dangerously irresistible. One of those bottles that makes restraint impossible and reminds you why great wine can be genuinely emotional. A true benchmark experience.
— 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Château Giscours 2023 – Margaux, Grand Cru Classé. BDX France

Overview
A high-energy, expressive Margaux delivering immediate pleasure while still showing meaningful structural depth and ongoing development, standing out as one of the most dynamic performers in the vintage flight.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe raspberry, cassis, violets, crushed graphite, sweet baking spice, subtle cedar, polished oak accents.

Mouthfeel
Silky and incredibly smooth with refined tannins, vibrant acidity, excellent mid-palate drive, and a long, clean, finely etched finish that carries both power and finesse.

Food Pairings
Filet mignon, duck breast with cherry reduction, herb-crusted lamb, mushroom risotto, aged Gruyère or Comté.

Verdict
Fast, explosive, and immediately enjoyable while still evolving in the glass. Combines intensity with polish and finesse, positioning itself as a serious front-runner among the Margaux lineup in this vintage.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is the bottle that made the room lean in, full throttle energy with real elegance underneath. Already thrilling, and still climbing. Now or later will definitely showcase its elegancy! — 5 months ago

Conrad Green

9.4

fresh and light and zesty. Wet stone and hints of lime. Salinity and great definition. No signs of oxidation on this one — 6 months ago

with Ara and Paul

Freddy R. Troya

10

Ridge Vineyards – Zinfandel – 2023
Benito Dusi Ranch – Paso Robles – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An extraordinary single-vineyard Zinfandel from one of the most historic and consistent sites in Paso Robles. The 2023 vintage delivers depth, purity, and that unmistakable Dusi Ranch character—old-vine concentration wrapped in Ridge’s signature balance and finesse. This bottling remains one of the benchmark Zinfandels in California.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry compote, ripe plum, and raspberry preserve with accents of warm spice, licorice, dried herbs, and a touch of cracked pepper. Subtle cocoa and cedar from restrained oak play in the background.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, yet never heavy. Juicy acidity energizes the palate while fine, structured tannins keep everything focused. Long, plush, and satisfyingly powerful.

Food Pairings
BBQ ribs, grilled lamb chops, wood-fired pizza, smoky brisket, or aged Gouda.

Verdict
A stellar expression of old-vine Paso Robles Zinfandel, opulent, balanced, and deeply flavorful. A true standout in Ridge’s portfolio.

Did You Know?
The Dusi family has farmed this vineyard for generations, and Ridge has made wine from the site since 1967. These old vines consistently produce some of the most character-rich Zinfandel in the state, making Benito Dusi one of Ridge’s most iconic single-vineyard bottlings.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This sits at the very top of my favorite Zinfandels, extraordinary from start to finish, and a reminder of why Ridge continues to define the category. — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Macchia – Delicious Barbera 2023
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Barbera may be native to Italy, but in Lodi it thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing generous, fruit-driven wines. Macchia has built a reputation for crafting some of the most expressive New World Barberas, with a track record of winning international medals (including Gold at the International Barbera Competition in Italy for earlier vintages). This 2023 vintage keeps that pedigree alive with a vibrant, approachable style.

Aromas & Flavors
Explodes with blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with chocolate, spice, and hints of licorice. There’s an intensity of fruit without losing freshness, showing why Barbera adapts so beautifully outside its homeland.

Mouthfeel
Juicy, full of energy, with supple tannins and balancing acidity. Medium-plus body with a long, fruit-forward finish dusted with cocoa and spice.

Food Pairing
Pairs effortlessly with rich tomato pasta, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty sausage pizza. Also excellent with strong cheeses that complement its ripe fruit core.

The Verdict
Macchia delivers again with a Barbera that’s as delicious as its name. The 2023 vintage stands out as a casual yet compelling New World take on an Old World classic—backed by a winery whose style already carries international pedigree.

✨ Personal highlight: This wine style has pedigree from past events, but the 2023 is very much its own statement. It’s “delicious” in every sense and shows how consistent Macchia has been across vintages. Cheers! — 9 months ago