Freddy R. Troya

9.0

San Polo “Rubio” Toscana IGT 2023
Toscana IGT – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A modern Tuscan red blend crafted with certified organic grapes, primarily driven by Sangiovese and complemented by small percentages of international varieties, typically including Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon depending on the vintage. Produced by San Polo in the heart of Montalcino, this wine captures the approachable yet structured identity of contemporary Toscana IGT wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, wild berries, plum, and subtle violet notes layered with touches of spice, dried herbs, and soft earthy undertones. The international varieties add roundness and darker fruit nuances while Sangiovese maintains freshness and energy.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity, polished tannins, and a balanced texture. Fresh and approachable while still maintaining enough structure to feel distinctly Tuscan.

Food Pairings
Excellent with pizza, pasta with red sauce, grilled sausages, charcuterie boards, roasted chicken, or aged pecorino cheese.

Verdict
A very enjoyable and versatile Toscana IGT that showcases Sangiovese as the backbone while allowing international grapes to soften and broaden the profile. Authentic enough to reflect Tuscany, yet approachable enough for casual everyday drinking.

🍷 Did You Know?
The Toscana IGT classification was created partly to give producers more flexibility beyond strict DOC/DOCG regulations, allowing the use of international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot alongside traditional Tuscan varieties, ultimately helping launch the famous “Super Tuscan” movement back in late 60’s and early 70’s. — 10 days 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?” — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Bodegas Faustino – Faustino V Reserva
Tempranillo-based Blend 2017
DOCa Rioja – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A warm vintage expression showing a slightly richer and more generous side of Rioja Reserva, while maintaining classic structure and identity.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, cinnamon, clove, and toasted vanilla with a touch of savory spice.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with persistent acidity, smooth tannins, and a longer, more savory finish than 2016.

Food Pairings
Lamb, pork, aged cheeses, or hearty Spanish dishes.

Verdict
A true crowd-pleaser Rioja, richer, slightly more expressive, yet still balanced and classic in style.

🍷 Did You Know?
Warmer Rioja vintages like 2017 tend to emphasize riper fruit and spice while still preserving the region’s signature oak-driven profile. — 2 years ago

Geri Nott

10

Really nice Shiraz, great price and amazing taste — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2021
Carmignano DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A compelling Tuscan blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, crafted by Piaggia, one of Carmignano’s benchmark estates, recognized for low yields, concentration, and precision-driven winemaking while preserving regional identity. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures the structured, terroir-focused soul of Carmignano without leaning into excessive ripeness or modern exaggeration.

Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy undertones, and subtle graphite unfold with remarkable balance and restraint. Dark fruit remains fresh and vibrant rather than jammy, allowing savory and mineral nuances to shine through.

Mouthfeel
Medium+ bodied with elevated tension, polished yet firm tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. Structured and intentional, carrying both power and elegance through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, wild boar ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Verdict
A serious and historically compelling Tuscan red that feels refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by overhyped “Super Tuscans.” Piaggia delivers structure, terroir expression, and sophistication without sacrificing regional character. This is Tuscany speaking fluently through discipline and balance rather than sheer opulence.

Did You Know?
Long before the “Super Tuscan” movement emerged, Carmignano producers were already legally blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon as far back as the 1700s, after Cabernet vines were introduced to Tuscany under the Medici family. In many ways, Carmignano quietly pioneered the concept centuries earlier.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of under-the-radar Tuscan wine that rewards drinkers looking beyond prestige labels and chasing authenticity, structure, and historical soul instead. Cheers! — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Realm Cellars – The Bard – Red Blend – 2022
Napa Valley AVA – California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Realm Cellars’ flagship proprietary red, The Bard represents the most expansive and dynamic expression of Napa Valley terroir. The 2022 vintage is Cabernet Sauvignon–dominant (approximately 70%), supported by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, with exact proportions varying by year. Sourced from a broad range of elite vineyards spanning Coombsville to Calistoga and both valley floor and hillside sites, this wine is designed to showcase Napa Valley in its full breadth and power.

Aromas & Flavors
Dense and expressive aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry compote, and dark plum lead the profile, followed by graphite, cocoa, crushed stone, and subtle baking spice. As it opens, notes of espresso, cedar, and savory herbs emerge, adding layers of depth and complexity.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, weighty, and concentrated, with a rich core of dark fruit framed by structured yet polished tannins. Despite its power, the wine maintains balance and freshness, carrying seamlessly into a long, impactful finish.

Food Pairings
Prime rib, grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, venison, or aged cheeses such as aged Cheddar, Comté, or Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Verdict
A bold yet refined Napa Valley red that captures Realm’s philosophy of sourcing greatness across sites to build a wine of exceptional depth, richness, and presence. The Bard remains a benchmark proprietary blend that delivers both immediate pleasure and cellar-worthy structure.

Did You Know?
The Bard draws fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most revered vineyards, including Beckstoffer To Kalon, Beckstoffer Bourn, Blair, Houyi, and Larkmead, contributing to its layered complexity and distinctive Napa identity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is a wine every serious wine lover should have in their cellar. Powerful, delicious, and unapologetically Napa, The Bard delivers depth, impact, and pure enjoyment in every glass. — 5 months ago

Jay Kline

9.4

I had a few members of the Tasting Group crew join me in a sort of, "help me drink down my cellar" gathering. Everyone had an opportunity to dig through the cellar and select a bottle of their choosing; the identity of the wine was kept from everyone else and then presented double-blind though, since the bottles were being pulled from my cellar, it wasn't a true double-blind situation for me. This was poured into a decanter and served within an hour of opening. The wine poured a deep garnet color with a slightly brownish orange rim, a deep translucent core and there appeared to be a good amount of fine sediment though, my glass was amongst the last poured. On the nose, I was immediately transported to Piemonte with gorgeous notes of funky cherries, tar, earth, roses, dried herbs and espresso. On the palate, the wine was bone dry with huge tannins and fantastic acid which was confirming my suspicions that this was Nebbiolo...and there was tremendous power here which had me thinking Barolo from a warmer year. Something like 2015 or 2012...but this seemed too developed to be a 2015 and the color was a little more advanced than I would expect for 2012 at this stage, so I figured either 2010 or maybe 2007. The fruit, while prodigious, was beginning to show some dried qualities and there was some leather, cocoa a bit of an umami too which I really liked. There was awesome. I called 2007 Brovia "Rocche". Even with knowledge of my cellar, I got fist bumps all around. Others at the table thought it presented younger than it was. I expect this will continue to drink very well for another 10+ years. — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Rocca Felice – Nebbiolo d’Alba – 2023
Nebbiolo d’Alba DOC – Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A regional expression of Nebbiolo crafted in a more approachable, early-drinking style. While rooted in Piedmont tradition, this bottling leans toward accessibility, offering a softer and more casual interpretation of the grape.

Aromas & Flavors
Juicy red fruit profile with cherry, raspberry, and subtle cranberry notes. Light hints of rose petal and a touch of tartness are present, though not as pronounced or intense as in more structured Nebbiolo styles.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with moderate tannins and fresh acidity. Noticeably softer and more rounded than classic Barolo/Barbaresco expressions, making it easygoing and immediately drinkable.

Food Pairings
Pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, charcuterie, or casual Italian fare. Also works nicely as a standalone sipper for relaxed evenings.

Verdict
A truly Piedmontese yet approachable Nebbiolo—m, juicy, affable, and tasty. It tones down the grape’s typical intensity, making it perfect for casual drinking without losing its regional identity.

Did You Know?
Nebbiolo d’Alba often offers a more accessible entry point into Nebbiolo compared to Barolo or Barbaresco, with earlier drinkability while still showcasing the grape’s signature character.

🍷 Personal Pick
My “pizza night Nebbiolo”, all the charm, none of the intimidation. Cheers! — 18 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Palmalias – Vermentino – 2024
Sardegna – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A beautifully balanced Vermentino that captures the coastal essence of Sardegna. Fresh and vibrant in its youth, yet structured enough to show intention and precision. This is a wine that overdelivers in both casual and food-driven settings.

Aromas & Flavors
Citrus zest, green apple, and subtle tropical notes unfold alongside a delicate herbal edge. A clear saline/mineral character runs through the profile, giving it a distinctly Mediterranean identity.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied with bright, refreshing acidity. Acidity and salinity are perfectly in harmony, lifting the wine’s coastal, citrus-driven profile. Clean, crisp, and energetic from start to finish.

Food Pairings
Seafood, light salads, grilled vegetables, fresh cheeses, or simple appetizers. Exceptionally versatile and reliable at the table.

Verdict
A crowd-pleasing Vermentino that delivers freshness, balance, and subtle complexity without trying too hard. Equally enjoyable on its own or paired with food, an easy staple for everyday drinking.

Did You Know?
Sardegna’s proximity to the sea plays a key role in Vermentino’s signature salinity, with constant maritime winds helping preserve acidity and freshness in the grapes.

🍷 Personal Pick
A go-to casual white that consistently punches above its weight, refreshing, food-friendly, and effortlessly enjoyable. Cheers! — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Covenant – Cabernet Sauvignon – 2023
Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A bold, expressive Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from Covenant, crafted in a richer “valley-floor” style with generous ripeness and concentration. This bottling shows Covenant’s signature combination of power and polish, made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon and produced as a Non-Mevushal and vegan-certified wine, an excellent option for those seeking upscale kosher reds with true Napa character.

Aromas & Flavors
Black currant, blackberry compote, cassis, baking spice, cedar, a touch of mocha, and subtle graphite. Ripe yet not overdone, the fruit leads, but there’s enough structure to keep it focused.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, plush, and deeply fruited. Smooth tannins wrap around the palate with richness and warmth, supported by balanced acidity. The finish is long, dark, and satisfying, classic modern Napa Cab energy.

Food Pairings
Ribeye steak, lamb chops, brisket, barbecue short ribs, mushroom-braised dishes, or aged cheddar.

Verdict
A powerful, fruit-driven Cabernet Sauvignon with unmistakable Napa Valley boldness. Approachable now, yet structured enough to improve with short-term aging. A high-impact, Non-Mevushal kosher Cabernet that easily stands toe-to-toe with many mainstream Napa labels.

Did You Know?
Covenant was founded by Jeff Morgan, a chef-turned-winemaker who helped redefine the identity of premium kosher wines in California. His stylistic goal has always been simple: make world-class wines first, that also happen to be kosher. — 6 months ago