Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Sanct Valentin Pinot Noir Riserva 2022 — Alto Adige DOC, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Produced by St. Michael-Eppan Winery under the prestigious Sanct Valentin line, this 100% Pinot Noir comes from the cool alpine vineyards of Alto Adige. The region’s dramatic temperature swings between warm days and cool nights help preserve acidity while allowing slow, balanced ripening. The 2022 vintage presents a refined and fresh expression of Pinot Noir, showcasing purity, elegance, and Alpine precision.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, raspberry, and subtle cranberry notes dominate the aromatic profile. Gentle floral hints mingle with delicate spice and a faint earthy undertone that emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Mouthfeel
Bright acidity drives the wine forward, giving it freshness and lift. The body sits in the medium-light range with soft, fine-grained tannins and a smooth texture. The finish is clean, refreshing, and elegant.

Food Pairings
This Pinot Noir shines alongside food thanks to its lively acidity and delicate structure. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, duck breast, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or a simple charcuterie board with prosciutto and semi-aged cheeses where the wine’s freshness complements savory flavors without overpowering them.

Verdict
A charming and elegant Pinot Noir that emphasizes balance and drinkability rather than sheer power. Its freshness, clarity of fruit, and Alpine character make it a delightful and versatile wine.

Did You Know?
Pinot Noir has been cultivated in Alto Adige since the mid-19th century, and today the region is considered one of Italy’s finest areas for the grape thanks to its high-elevation vineyards and cool Alpine climate.

🍷 Personal Pick
A beautifully fresh Pinot Noir that impressed with its lively acidity and simplicity done right, delicate, delicious, and very easy to enjoy. — 23 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Hevron Heights – Isaac’s Ram Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A high-end Cabernet from Hevron Heights, made entirely of Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged in oak (about 18 months), this wine leans into the rugged elevation and temperature swings of the Judean Hills. (Educational note: elevation in warm climate wine regions helps preserve acidity and build structure even in bolder styles.)

Aromas & Flavors
Deep currents of black currant, dark berry compote, and ripe plum. Cedar, licorice, spice-box, and a touch of vanilla and coffee from oak aging. Earthy undertones and a whisper of pepper add complexity. 

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with firm tannins. The oak adds richness, while the cool nights in the Judean Hills help retain a fresh acid backbone. Finishes long, dense, and robust. 

Food Pairings
Pairs well with grilled red meats, steak or lamb, hearty stews, and dishes with earthy mushrooms or root vegetables. Aging or smoked cheeses would also work nicely.

Verdict
A bold, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases what Israeli high-elevation terroir can do. It’s drinking well now for its fruit and oak richness, but has the structure and acidity to evolve further over a few years. 🍷

Did You Know?
Isaac’s Ram is made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and is aged ~18 months in French & Hungarian oak — typical for premium kosher offerings in Judean Hills. — 6 months ago

David Kline

9.1

Tampa Bay Brewing Co. ‘Gourds Gone Wild’
Amber expectation unravel to express whipped cream on pumpkin pie! Heavy on the cream! Flaky crust seems imminent. This motif swings full circle on the palate-pirouette to suggest the same with clove and nutmeg in tow. Beer aspect has turned treacle-sarsaparilla but genuine and tasty-toasted, so, let it go! Haters hate Christmas ales too and summer and seasonal but love their Willy wonky candy beers. Grow some. The style is good, screaming autumn from the hollow skull of Halloween. Don’t be scared!


#tbbc #tampabaybrewingcompany #goiudsgonewild #pumpkinale #flabeer #floridabeer #beer #bier #biere #birra #cerveza — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Riise Doyen, 2021. GSM Red Blend. Paso Robles AVA, California. USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A bold yet finely tuned GSM blend composed of 65% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, and 17% Syrah, delivering depth, power, and polish in equal measure. This is Paso Robles intensity done with restraint, generous fruit concentration framed by savory structure and controlled warmth, showing both muscle and finesse from a
small-batch producer.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red and dark berries, crushed raspberry, black cherry, and plum lead the profile, layered with baking spice, dried herbs, pepper, and subtle savory undertones. Hints of earth and warm stone add dimension without overwhelming the fruit core.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet surprisingly smooth and integrated. Plush entry, structured mid-palate, and well-managed tannins create a rounded, confident texture with a polished, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops, slow-braised short ribs, rosemary roasted chicken, spiced sausages, mushroom ragù, or aged sheep’s milk cheeses.

Verdict
A confident, expressive GSM that balances Paso Robles richness with refinement and control. Powerful without being unruly, expressive without losing clarity, a beautifully executed small-production blend that delivers both impact and drinkability.

Did You Know?
GSM blends thrive in Paso Robles thanks to warm days and cooling evening temperature swings, allowing Grenache to build richness, Mourvèdre to add savory depth, and Syrah to provide structure and spice.

🍷 Personal Pick
I love how this wine manages to deliver serious intensity while staying polished and composed, a great example of how thoughtful blending can elevate power into elegance. — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Five Stones Vineyards – Chirbet Midras Cabernet Sauvignon 2024
Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A single-varietal, very limited edition, Cabernet Sauvignon from the Chirbet Midras vineyard in Judean Hills. While the precise 2024 grape percentages aren’t needed (it’s 100% Cabernet), the wine is made at ~13.8% alcohol and reflects Five Stones’ ongoing exploration of terroir in this region. (Educational note: Judean Hills’ elevation and diurnal temperature swings bring out Cabernet’s structure and freshness, very helpful in warm climates.) 

Aromas & Flavors
Dark fruit dominates: blackberry, cassis, and black cherry, with underlying notes of cedar, graphite, and a whisper of tobacco. There are also subtle earthy/mineral edges, and perhaps some leather / spicy oak influence if aged in wood.

Mouthfeel
Medium-full bodied, with firm yet refined tannins. Acidity keeps things balanced, avoiding over-ripeness. The finish is relatively long, pushing toward darker fruit and savory tones.

Food Pairings
Pairs well with grilled or roasted red meats (lamb, beef), hearty stews, or dishes with earthy components (mushrooms, roasted root vegetables). Also works nicely with semi-hard cheeses.

Verdict
Chirbet Midras 2024 is a pure expression of Cabernet from Judean Hills that emphasizes both power and nuance. It’s not entry-level, but it’s very rewarding for those who appreciate structure, terroir, and a Cabernet that can age a bit or drink now for its richness. 🍷

Did You Know?
“Chirbet Midras” is a declared vineyard in the Judean Hills, and this version is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, rare in a portfolio that also includes many blends. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2014 vintage. Ripe and rocking for the price. Heavy body. 85% Merlot, 15% Cab Franc. Excellent value. The 2018 vintage swings as well. 9.24.23. — 3 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2022 vintage. First off, don't like the label change. Secondly, white Burg pricing with Meursault, Chassagne-Montrachet and Puligny-Montrachet ridiculous now so branching out necessary and essential. Thirdly, this swings. Medium bod. Slightly golden. Slightly mineral. Unexpected balance. For the price, delivers more than expected and more than some of the aforementioned Burgundy areas. 12.25.25. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château Mercian – Mariko Vineyard Syrah 2013
Ueda City, Nagano – Japan 🇯🇵

Overview
From Château Mercian’s pioneering Mariko Vineyard, this Syrah is unlike any other. The 2013 vintage, now over a decade old, shows how Nagano’s cool climate shapes the grape with freshness and elegance rather than sheer power. (Educational note: Nagano’s elevation and wide day–night temperature swings preserve acidity, giving Japanese reds their distinctive lift.)

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, plum, and dried cherry with accents of pepper, violet, and subtle herbs. Secondary notes of leather, soy, and earthy spice emerge with age, weaving seamlessly into the fruit.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with pronounced acidity — rare for Syrah — making it bright and affable even after a decade. Tannins are softened with age, leaving a silky texture and a long, savory finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with Japanese-inspired pairings such as yakitori, teriyaki beef, or soy-glazed mushrooms. Also pairs beautifully with duck breast, roasted pork, or aged semi-hard cheeses.

Verdict
One of the most distinctive Syrahs out there: fresh, bright, and terroir-driven. Still harmonious after more than ten years — a wine that surprises and delights in equal measure. 🍷cheers

Did You Know?
Legend says “Mariko” takes its name from the Maruko region, once Prince Mariko’s territory in the 6th century. Today, the same land provides the ideal conditions for world-class viticulture. — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.4

2018 vintage. How many spelling derivations does this plot have? Four? Whatever. The juice swings with excellent balance currently and plenty of stuffing in case your priorities are completely out of whack. Intense Persian lime up front. Decidedly not cheap but once you've had it, tuff to downgrade. 8.7.24. — 2 years ago

Paul T, Missing My Beautiful Wife 24/7

9.5

Not bad for $30.00 Web notes This iconic estate nestled into a natural amphitheatre 2,000 feet up in Victoria's Pyrenees mountain range produces some of the country's most highly regarded and awarded wines The vineyard was established in 1976 and is the highest and most remote in the Pyrenees region. All the vines are dry farmed and naturally low yielding due to the very poor rocky soils. The elevation of the site means that they experience dramatic diurnal swings in temperature, the cool nights drawing out the growing season and preserving excellent natural acidity in the wines. The slow gradual ripening process results in more complex flavor development and bestows the wines with exceptional longevity. These wines whilst being remarkably good young will be excellent prospects for a decade plus in the cellar. Winemaker's Notes: "Our 33rd vintage of this wine is an intense purple-black colour. The complex bouquet displays raspberry and dark cherry fruit, a savoury black olive note and an exotic graphite element. The weight is medium but the attack is immensely powerful and persistent. Wonderful juicy sweet-sour dark fruit is framed by fine ripe tannins. This is a wine to decant and enjoy now or keep for the long term. — 3 years ago