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. — 7 months ago

Steve Rura

9.0

The 2022 white blend is Picpoul, Clairette, Orange Muscat, Marsanne, Rousanne and Chardonnay. More Muscat than the Pet Nat, and the orange peel and floral notes are great. A little nutty, dried apricot, pear, yuzu, sea salt. Medium acid. Very good versatile and Rhône-inspired white. — 3 years ago

Vanessa

9.2

This is a biodynamically-produced Cabernet Franc wine from Costa Toscana IGT, a coastal subregion within Toscana IGT, in Tuscany, Italy. 🇮🇹

Given their proximity to the coast of the Ligurian Sea, the vines likely experienced coastal influences, such as sea breezes and fog. 🌊

Although not native to Italy, Cabernet Franc thrives in this kind of environment with cooling factors and soil comprised of clay, schist, and limestone. 🍷 And while Cabernet Franc typically finds itself playing a supporting role (such as in a Bordeaux blend), with this wine, it’s captivating at center stage. 💫

To help promote the purity of fruit character, the winemaker used a percentage (15%) of whole cluster berries in the fermentation process and aged this wine 10 months in stainless steel, rather than oak. 👌👌👌👌

Ampeleia is the name of the producer, born out of a collaboration among friends Elisabetta Foradori, Giovanni Podini and Thomas Widmann. 💕💕

We’re loving this wine, which is bright, yet structured, featuring concentrated red fruit aromas and flavors, such as ripe cherry, strawberry, kirsch, plum, also bubblegum, violet, dried lavender, wet clay, wet earth, peat, tobacco, and vegetal notes.

Ampeleia, Cabernet Franc, Costa Toscana IGT, vintage 2018, ABV 12.5%.
@ampeleia — 5 years ago

with Deked1

Larn

9.4

Absolutely delicious Anderson valley Pinot. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

Now, this is a Champagne worthy of my last year in my current decade.

It’s not inexpensive but, there’s a reason for that.

From the moment I put my nose to the glass, I got a a sense of warm, inviting delicacy. There is; cream, soft ginger, fall green apples, mango, guava, slightly sour lemons, lime zest/candy, perfectly, ripe pineapple, white peach, green melons, lightly bruised pear, marmalade jam, as soft as white spice can be, grey volcanics, good chalkiness, vanillin, sea spray, lovely, melted caramel notes, yeast, bread dough to baguette crust, non funky cheese rind, toast, silvered almonds to nut skin with white & lilies, jasmine and spring flowers.

The palate enters like Tango dancers & cross-fades into ballet. Perfect richness, mousse & micro-oxygenation with gentle, absolute, perfect acidity. The minerality is fine, delicate & straight up in my wheelhouse. Cream, understated, melted butter, ginger, fall, Granny Smith apples, mango, guava, slightly sour lemons, lime zest/ peel/candy, perfectly, ripe pineapple, white peach, peach, tangerine, green melons, lightly bruised pear, some apple cider, marmalade jam, honeysuckle, herbaceousiness, a shade of mint, as soft as white spice can be, delicate, grey volcanics with limestone, good chalkiness, vanillin, sea spray, lovely, melted caramel notes, yeast, bread dough to baguette crust, non funky cheese rind, toast, silvered almonds to nut skin with, orange blossoms, white & lilies, jasmine and spring flowers. The long, amazing, well balanced finish is simply Mozart.

The 02 is a blend of 39% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay & 21% Pinot Meunier. This bottle spent at least 12 years in Krug's cellars, receiving its cork in autumn 2014.

Photos of; the House of Krug, their very tall & countless stainless steel tanks they hold still wine(s), fermenting or library bottles in their caves & Krug Clos du Mesnil Vineyard. — 6 years ago

Shengli Hu

9.4

White flowers, underripe apricot, lime, sea salt, radish, stony minerality, slightly beeswax. Savory and sweet herbs on the palate. Medium+ acidity. Round mouthfeel - cheeserind and lees, 😋. 4 months on lees. Indigenous varieties. — 7 years ago

J B

9.5

Drank this with a light meal of sautéed Japanese eggplant and French bread with garlic and olive oil and a little sea salt. This wine paired wonderfully. The nose reminded us of the smell of prunes in a big way. Loved the earthiness. — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Boars’ View “The Coast” Pinot Noir 2018
Fort Ross–Seaview AVA, Sonoma Coast, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Handcrafted by Thomas Rivers Brown at the dramatic West Sonoma Coast site, this Pinot Noir highlights maritime fog, Goldridge loam soils, and heritage clones. The 2018 “Coast” includes 100% heritage clones—Calera, Mt. Eden, and Swan—meticulously fermented and aged to express both elegance and power.  

Aromas & Flavors
Plush and aromatic: expect cranberry compote, lavender, sandalwood, and hints of violet. On the palate, it delivers black cherry, plum paste, nutmeg, quince, forest floor, and licorice—all layered over a finely tuned mineral edge.  

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet refined. Silky tannins and well-integrated acidity support rich fruit without heaviness. A harmonious finish unfolds with persistence and grace.  

Winemaking Notes
Destemmed fruit underwent fermentation and then aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new, from François Frères, Remond, and Gauthier cooperages. The result is focused power with nuanced oak influence.  

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled duck, game birds, roasted pork, or truffle-scented risotto. Its depth and savory complexity also pair beautifully with hearty stews or mushroom-forward dishes. 

Verdict
Boars’ View “The Coast” PINOT NOIR 2018 is a masterclass in West Coast Pinot—intensely flavorful, texturally rich, and meticulously crafted. A cellar-worthy wine with both grace and longevity. A rare Napa-level Pinot Noir priced in the $145–160 range. Cheers! — 10 months ago

Dawn E.

8.9

Clean and refreshing. Loads of red fruits. Raspberries, chocolate covered cherries, pomegranate, cranberries, and cinnamon. In grade school PE, we had to climb up a steel pole. I am picking up the essence of my hands, post descent. If anyone wishes to help me with a descriptor for that, you are welcome! Nice acidity! I would purchase again! — 3 years ago

Ming L

8.9

100% PN from North Coast for 21’. Raspberry, pink grapefruit, watermelon, hint of strawberry and sea breeze. Juicy and refreshing on the palate, with touch of chalky mineral. Crisp acidity with round edge.

— 4 years ago

Al Shikoh

9.2

pale translucent ruby, tawny rim; wild berries, plum, hibiscus, pine needles, hints of spice; tart red fruits, medium length; medium body, medium+ acidity, light dusty tannin, 13.3% ABV; sourced from a blend of sites in the North end of the Anderson Valley; very nice introduction to the range; $45 — 5 years ago

Sarah O'Kelley

9.2

Can’t stop won’t stop with broc! First time having this chenin and loved every step definitely a new world Chenin but in all the right ways - fleshy, layered, delish. Think lemon meringue pie with a garnish of sea salt 😋 excellent with pan roasted grouper and the six seasons kale salad which if u have never had that you must! — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Just had to try another bottle!!Ruby with red fruit aromas and spicy herb floral notes, aged for 10 months in 40% new French oak. On the palate fresh black raspberry and cherry flavors with herb tea and earthy tones. Firm fine tannins, balanced acidity, nice mouthfeel, long finish ending with earthy mineral herb character. Nice! Paired well with a spicy seared sushi grade tuna with spicy peanut dressed sesame soy sauce. Wow!! — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

The nose reveals; lemon, lime, green apple, overripe pineapple, some some fruit, silvered almonds, honeysuckle notes, beeswax, wet river-stones, chamomile, orange peel, slight waft if dark caramel, soft vanillin, sea spray, light saline, warm toast, wet, soft chalkiness, touch of candied ginger, perfumed, spring flowers and fragrant yellow lilies.

The body is; thick, round, slightly waxy & voluptuous. 2010 is an excellent vintage and time in bottle has served it well. Striving to its peak, there is nice integration with honey qualities. Excellent texture/mouthfeel. Lemon, lime, green & golden apple, overripe pineapple, some some fruit, silvered almonds, honeysuckle notes, beeswax, wet river-stones, chamomile, butterscotch, orange peel, slight waft of dark caramel, soft vanillin, sea spray, light saline, warm toast, wet, soft chalkiness, limestone minerals, gritty, pungent, grey volcanics touch of candied ginger, touch of white spice, perfumed, spring flowers and fragrant yellow lilies. The acidity is round & phat. Like Goldilocks & her last porridge, it’s just right. The long; beautiful, voluptuous, sexy & well balanced finish is delicious and lingers on the palate minutes.

Playing very well into our Jasper Hill Farms Willoughby soft white cheese with champagne washed rind.

Photos of; our cold, morning April walk in their Puligny-Montrachet Vineyard, our tour through their cellars with Olivier Leflaive and our multi-course lunch paired with six of their wines...finishing with their Bastard. — 6 years ago

Kayle Stevens

9.0

Good but needs time to breathe. — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Amici Cellars — Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2023 — Sonoma County, California. United States 🇺🇸

Overview:
Crafted entirely from Pinot Noir sourced from premier vineyard sites in Russian River Valley, this wine captures the region’s hallmark vibrancy and fruit purity. Stainless steel fermentation preserves freshness, while French oak aging adds polish and subtle structure, positioning it as a refined yet highly approachable entry into Amici’s luxury lineup.

Aromas & Flavors:
Blackberry, raspberry, cranberry, subtle toast, gentle spice, and lifted red-fruit brightness.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-plus body with moderate tannins and a smooth, polished texture. Energetic acidity keeps the palate fresh and appetizing, delivering immediate charm with the structure to evolve gracefully over the next several years.

Food Pairings:
Roast chicken, salmon, duck confit, mushroom risotto, pizza with prosciutto or mushrooms, soft cheeses.

Personal Pick:
I opened a bottle again recently and the wine absolutely confirmed itself — vibrant, balanced, and dangerously easy to enjoy. A Pinot that consistently delivers pleasure without trying to impress.

Verdict:
A confident, fruit-driven Russian River Pinot Noir combining elegance, freshness, and excellent approachability. A smart everyday luxury option.

🍷 Did You Know?:
Russian River Valley’s cool fog influence and long growing season allow Pinot Noir to develop layered aromatics while retaining natural acidity and finesse.
— a year ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

I forgot to shoot the Moonracer bottle and borrowed some of these images from their site.

This is one of my favorite wines from Realm. Very kind of Leslie to open for us. The 2021 was outstanding and have it at 97-98. Showed very well at well pop and pour.

The nose on the 2021 Moonracer was quite feminine which has great appeal to me. Dark perfume florals, ripe, lush currants but more cassis with beautiful, soft baking spices.

The palate was fresh and shows round, ruby, lush fruits of; blackberries, black raspberries, black plum, plum, dark cherries. It is feminine & elegant in its style. Powdered, limestone, rocks & sandstone, soft, dark spice with gentle heat as it sets, sweet forest floor, black licorice, mixed berry cola, some soft, fresh tobacco, expensive, plush leather, softly stated baking spices-nutmeg, clove cinnamon & vanillin, melted dark chocolate, a mix of fresh, red, blue florals framed in violets & some lavender, perfect acidity, elegant, round, extremely well balanced, layered, structured long finish that is two-minutes.

One thing of note, there will be no 2022 The Absurd. The Absurd fruit will go into The Bard and a couple of their others wines. Reason, the six days of brutal heat during the potential harvest window.

Stunning pano view of Pritchard Hill from their estate. If we had been there the day before, fog and clouds would have made this photo impossible. Brand plate on their stainless steel tanks, believe a shot of their Moonracer vineyard and sitting area in their tasting room. — 2 years ago

Adriana Fabbro

9.2

Hey, Delectable— this is the Visions 2018 North Coast Pinot, but the ID wasn’t available.

Unabashedly ripe and warm, but with a distinctive umami flavor (hoisin sauce?) that I’m really digging. Black cherry, black plum and even blue fruit on the nose and palette. Lovely satiny texture. Medium + finish.

Hedonistic in the way you’d expect from a winemaker mentored by the Wagners, but the suppleness and umami notes make this wine stand out in a sea of north coast Pinot Noir, and the absence of new oak lets the fruit do the taking. Perfect with chicken lettuce wraps and haricot verts smothered in Madeira mushroom cream sauce.

Owner/founder, Mac Macdonald, has been making his own California Pinot Noir for more than 25 vintages now and it shows. Side note: he’s also one of the better story tellers in the biz.

Initially sampled as part of a tasting with the #AAAV (Association of African American Vintners) and took the bottle home.
— 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Well...this was one hell of a week. There is only one way to wind it down. Reach for an excellent bottle of vintage Champagne.

My first thoughts are how delicate this is on the palate. Further, how unbelievable it will be with another 8-10 years in bottle.

The nose shows; slightly sour lemon, the good parts of lemon Pledge, lemon meringue, white stone fruits, pineapple fresh with lots of juice, grapefruit, lime pulp, honeysuckle, soft, haunting caramel, brioche, limestone & slightly, dirty, grey volcanics, saline, sea fossils, sea spray, bread dough, vanilla, white spices-light ginger with spring flowers, mixed floral greens & lilies.

The body is light on its feet and dances on the palate. Delicacy abounds. Its soft, gorgeous mousse right there with the best money can buy. Slightly sour lemon, lemon meringue, green & with more bruised golden apple, white stone fruits, pineapple fresh with lots of juice, grapefruit, lime pulp, touch of apple cider, honeysuckle, soft, haunting caramel, ginger ale into cream soda, brioche, nougat, toffee notes, lighter nuts without skin, limestone & slightly, dirty, grey volcanics, saline, sea fossils, sea spray, bread dough, vanillin, marzipan, white spices-light ginger with spring flowers, mixed floral greens & lilies. The acidity is mellow yet lively, gorgeous and as good as it gets. The finish is all luxury. So well knitted & balanced, elegant, rich but not overpowering and gently persisting several minutes.

Photos of; The House of Taittinger, their caves so chalky white and built on the famous Crayères Cellars of Reims: 2.5 miles of tunnels (they own 1/4 to 1/3 of it) cut out of chalk by the Romans, the portrait of Thibaud IV who was a king, lord, manager, singer, conqueror, explorer & 11th century Crusader all rolled into one from which, this Cuvée was the catalyst creation and part of the 600 plus hectares they own in Champange.

Some producer notes; Taittinger's history can be traced back to 1734, when it was originally known as Forest-Fourneaux, founded by Jacques Fourneaux who worked closely with local Benedictine monks to learn how to produce wine. They were just the 3rd Champange house.

The estate was bought by the Taittingers – a family of wine merchants – in 1932, and thanks to the great depression and subsequent low land prices, the family also picked up huge swathes of vineyard. From 1945-1960, Francois Taittinger established the cellars in the Abbey of Saint-Nicaise, and after his death in 1960 his brother Claude took over, pushing the estate into a Champagne house of world renown. Such was the status of the label that the Taittinger family soon expanded its business into other luxury goods. However, this eventually led to financial difficulties, and in 2005 the Taittinger brand – including the Champagne house – was sold to the American owned Starwood Hotel Group. The sale was badly received by the Champagne industry, with many fearing the new owners – unfamiliar with the culture of Champagne – would put profit ahead of quality.

Just one year later, Claude’s nephew, Pierre-Emmanuel Taittinger, who had always been opposed to the sale, negotiated a €660m deal with the Starwood Group, and the Taittinger family resumed ownership of the company.

In 2017, Taittinger planted its first vines in England, near a village in Kent, for its venture into English sparkling wine. The first bottle will be ready in 2023.

1/8/21 — 5 years ago

Mark Flesher

9.2

Decided to do a little comparison before @Shay A 's dinner and wine, and wish I could have stayed!! Tasting alongside a 2017 Rutherford SB from Modus Operandi. By comparison, this one was sourced from the Southeastern border of Rutherford whereas the Modus was on the northwestern region of Rutherford. This one definitely had more rounded edges, less tropical notes, more peach which increased as the wine sat and warmed up to room temperature. I would say that the nose of the Modus was a little more distinct than the nose of the Quivet. But, I think that more of the volcanic type soil characteristic of the Silverado Trail definitely showed here in the finish, even in an SB. Hey grade head-to-head comparison, with a very slight nod to the Modus. I think this is a slightly different food wine than the Modus which is probably a little more capable of standing on its own. — 7 years ago

with Shay