Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Albino Armani – “Colle Ara” Pinot Grigio, 2023
Terra dei Forti DOC – Valdadige – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A skin-contact Pinot Grigio from Valdadige, crafted with short maceration to extract color, texture, and phenolic grip. The 2023 vintage brings a fresh, lifted profile, balancing structure with vibrancy, far from the neutral, conventional style.

Aromas & Flavors
Layered and expressive: dried orchard fruit, orange peel, subtle spice, and tea-like notes. Savory nuances with a light herbal edge.

Mouthfeel
Textural and structured with gentle phenolic grip (almost tannin-like). Dry, with notable sapidity and salinity, supported by 2023’s bright acidity. Clean, persistent finish without astringency.

Food Pairings
Ideal with Asian fusion, noodles, grilled seafood, and umami-driven dishes. Also excellent with roasted vegetables or lightly spiced cuisine.

Verdict
A smart, expressive Pinot Grigio that bridges classic Italian precision and orange wine philosophy. The 2023 vintage adds extra lift, making it both intriguing and highly drinkable. A perfect “surprise bottle.”

🍷 Did You Know?
Pinot Grigio has naturally pink/grey skins, which—when macerated, create that copper hue and subtle structure most modern styles avoid. — 18 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

SATRICO 2024, Bianco IGP. Lazio, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A precision blend of Chardonnay 34% · Sauvignon Blanc 33% · Trebbiano 33% from Casale del Giglio combining Chardonnay’s structure, Sauvignon Blanc’s aromatic lift, and Trebbiano’s freshness. Bottled at 13.5% ABV, this wine bridges modern technique with ancestral regional identity.

Aromas & Flavors
Layered and multidimensional. Citrus zest, white peach, subtle tropical hints, and delicate herbal notes weave together seamlessly. Aromatically complex without being aggressive, everything in tension and harmony.

Mouthfeel
Structured yet energetic. Chardonnay provides body, Sauvignon brings edge and lift, and Trebbiano adds linear freshness. The result is a dynamic, evolving palate that feels architectural and intellectually engaging.

Food Pairings
Branzino, herb-crusted chicken, pasta alle vongole, roasted vegetables, or aged pecorino.

Verdict
A cerebral white blend that moves faster than language. Dimensional, balanced, and deeply expressive of Lazio’s evolving white identity. This is serious white wine.

🍷 Personal Pick
Strategic allocation territory. This isn’t just a blend, it’s a statement. One for near-term reflection. One for future “I knew this was special” validation. — 3 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Barba – i Vasari “Old Vines” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – 2022
Abruzzo, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
From one of Abruzzo’s most respected family producers, the Barba i Vasari Old Vines embodies the soulful depth of mature Montepulciano vineyards. Crafted from low-yielding old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, this DOC wine bridges intensity and elegance, a fine showcase of what Abruzzo can achieve when tradition meets restraint.

Aromas & Flavors
Dark cherries, black plum, and crushed violets lead the way, followed by nuances of black pepper, cocoa, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Hints of dried herbs and vanilla complete the aromatic frame.

Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, silky in texture yet structured with supple tannins. There’s a satisfying balance between ripe dark fruit and savory spice, culminating in a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with lasagna alla bolognese, grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, or aged pecorino.

Verdict
A beautiful expression of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, intense yet approachable, generous but never overbearing. Old vines deliver concentration and charm in equal measure. Cheers!

Did You Know?
The “i Vasari” vineyards trace their origins to the 1700s and sit near Pescara, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. This position brings cool coastal breezes that preserve acidity even in warmer years.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A deliciously balanced Montepulciano that delivers both depth and drinkability. A genuine Italian gem I’d pour confidently for any gathering of Italian wine lovers. — 6 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Valserrano – Tempranillo & Graciano – 2018
Rioja DOCa – Rioja Alavesa, Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A classic Rioja Reserva blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Graciano aged in oak. The 2018 vintage delivers a modern, fruit-driven expression with refined structure, balancing ripe fruit intensity and traditional Rioja elegance.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, redcurrant, blueberry, and dried cherry with hints of vanilla custard, nutmeg, and aromatic herbs. Subtle raisin and toasted spice add depth without heaviness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, smooth and polished with rounded tannins just below medium-plus. Fresh, balanced, and still fruit-driven through a long, refined finish.

Food Pairings
Roast lamb, pork loin, Manchego, earthy paella, or mushroom tapas.

Verdict
A thoughtfully crafted Reserva that bridges classic Rioja character with a fresher, contemporary profile. Approachable, flavorful, and quietly elegant, a great value in the category.

Did You Know?
Rioja Alavesa wines often show brighter acidity and finer tannins than Rioja Alta or Rioja Oriental, thanks to higher elevation and limestone-rich soils. — a year ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Takara — Mio Sparkling Sake — Japan 🇯🇵

Overview
A lightly sparkling sake crafted in a modern, approachable style, designed to highlight freshness, gentle sweetness, and aromatic lift. With a low 5% ABV, Mio offers a soft, easygoing expression that bridges the gap between traditional sake and sparkling wine.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate notes of white peach, pear, melon, and subtle floral tones, with a light rice-driven sweetness and clean aromatic profile.

Mouthfeel
Light-bodied with fine, soft bubbles and a smooth, off-dry texture. The low alcohol and gentle effervescence create a mellow, refreshing feel with a clean, easy finish.

Food Pairings
Sushi, sashimi, tempura, light appetizers, or as an aperitif. Particularly effective at opening a meal.

Verdict
An approachable and enjoyable sparkling sake that delivers freshness, softness, and aromatic charm. Ideal as a light, food-friendly starter.

🍶 Did You Know?
Sparkling sake like Mio is often crafted with lower alcohol and slight residual sugar, making it more approachable and similar in feel to lightly sparkling wines such as Moscato d’Asti.

🍷 Personal Pick
Completely out of my comfort zone, and a pleasant surprise. It set the tone perfectly for a Japanese meal, offering a soft, aromatic, and refreshing start before transitioning into white wines.
— 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Confidence de Bastor-Lamontagne – White Blend, 2023. Bordeaux AOC – France 🇫🇷

Overview
A modern white Bordeaux from Château Bastor-Lamontagne, crafted with an unconventional yet compelling blend of 51% Sauvignon Gris, 29% Sémillon, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. This composition brings both aromatic lift and textural depth, delivering a wine that balances freshness, subtle richness, and a distinctly mineral profile rooted in classic Bordeaux terroir.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh and expressive on the nose with notes of citrus peel, white peach, and hints of mango, followed by soft herbal tones and a touch of wet stone. The palate leans crisp and clean, showing lemon zest, green apple, light tropical fruit, and a gentle brioche nuance from the Sémillon.

Mouthfeel
Dry and refreshing with bright acidity and a lightly stony texture. Medium-bodied, well-balanced, and smooth, finishing clean with a subtle saline and mineral-driven persistence.

Food Pairings
Shellfish, grilled or poached white fish, oysters, goat cheese, vegetable-forward dishes, or light poultry. Also works beautifully as an aperitif.

Verdict
An approachable yet thoughtfully made white Bordeaux that bridges the gap between casual sipping and more serious tasting. Its balance, freshness, and unique grape composition make it versatile and crowd-pleasing without sacrificing character.

Did You Know?
Sauvignon Gris is a rare mutation of Sauvignon Blanc and brings extra weight, aromatics, and texture, adding a distinctive twist to traditional Bordeaux white blends.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This wine really resonates with my white-blend style preferences. Dry, crisp, and subtly mineral, it’s the kind of bottle that easily becomes a go-to companion for casual cuisine or relaxed sipping, effortless yet quietly sophisticated. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Williams Selyem – Pinot Noir – Vintage 2023
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
An exquisitely balanced Pinot Noir that bridges sophistication and accessibility with effortless grace. This Sonoma Coast expression from Williams Selyem encapsulates the winery’s hallmark finesse, purity of fruit, silky texture, and a sense of place that feels both coastal and timeless.

Aromas & Flavors
A radiant medley of red berries; strawberry, raspberry, and cranberry, accented by rose petals, wet stone, and a touch of baking spice. The fruit feels pure and translucent, lifted by cool coastal energy.

Mouthfeel
Silky and impeccably polished, with a seamless mid-palate glide. The interplay of fruit, acidity, and texture is so harmonious it makes you pause between sips , a masterclass in balance.

Food Pairings
Ideal with cedar-plank salmon, duck breast with cherry glaze, or wild mushroom risotto. Its versatility shines across both elegant and rustic cuisine.

Verdict
A Pinot that pleases both the collector and the casual drinker, sophisticated yet inviting. It resonates with critics and enthusiasts alike, a true reflection of Williams Selyem’s craftsmanship on the Sonoma Coast.

Did You Know?
The Sonoma Coast AVA, cooled by Pacific fog and ocean breezes, produces some of California’s most refined and age-worthy Pinot Noirs. This 2023 vintage captures that maritime freshness beautifully.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A wine of quiet brilliance, where restraint meets depth. Each sip feels intentional, reminding you how elegant California Pinot can truly be. — 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! — 2 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Binyamina Winery – Yogev – White Blend – 2023
Yogev Vineyard – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A thoughtfully composed Israeli white blend from Binyamina Winery, combining Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Chardonnay (50%). Crafted as a non-mevushal kosher wine, the 2023 Yogev highlights balance over excess, allowing varietal character and terroir expression to coexist. A modern, precise blend that bridges freshness and subtle weight through careful winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
Fresh citrus, green apple, and lemon zest from the Sauvignon Blanc lead the nose, followed by pear, yellow stone fruit, and gentle orchard notes from the Chardonnay. Subtle hints of white flowers and wet stone add dimension without overt oak influence.

Mouthfeel
Crisp and energetic on entry with vibrant acidity and tension, then gradually broadens across the mid-palate. The Chardonnay provides quiet structure and a rounded back-end, delivering a balanced, composed finish with just enough weight to keep things interesting.

Food Pairings
Kosher-friendly pairings include grilled fish, baked sea bass, roasted chicken, herb-forward vegetable dishes, quinoa salads, or pareve Mediterranean plates. Works equally well without food as an aperitif.

Verdict
An engaging and well-executed white blend that truly delivers the best of both worlds. Fresh, balanced, and approachable, this is an affable kosher white that overperforms thanks to smart blending, attentive winemaking, and terroir-driven restraint.

Did You Know?
Binyamina Winery has become known for blending international varieties with a distinctly Israeli sensibility, emphasizing balance and drinkability while maintaining kosher standards without compromising quality.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Surprisingly polished for a kosher non-mevushal white. Crisp acidity up front, quiet depth on the finish, and excellent harmony between Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Credit clearly goes to the winemaker and the site. A smart, rewarding bottle. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Chateau Larrivet Haut-Brion, 2019
Pessac-Léognan, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Left Bank red blend composed of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 15% Cabernet Franc, from the highly regarded 2019 Bordeaux vintage. This vintage is widely celebrated for its depth, structure, and balance, ranking alongside 2018 and 2020 as exceptional years.

Aromas & Flavors
Nose: lifted aromas of blackcurrant, redcurrant, plum, and blackberry, laced with herbal notes, tobacco leaf, and subtle spice.
Palate: generous layers of dark fruits, cassis, herbs, and a touch of savory earthiness, supported by ripe, velvety tannins and a structured frame.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, with polished tannins, fresh acidity, and a harmonious balance between richness and elegance. The finish is long, perfumed, and textured, leaving a graceful impression of fruit and spice.

Winemaking & Style
Château Larrivet Haut-Brion is known for its meticulous vineyard management and refined winemaking, which consistently produces expressive Pessac-Léognan wines that balance fruit concentration with terroir-driven minerality and finesse.

Food Pairing
Perfect with grilled lamb chops, duck breast, roasted game, or earthy mushroom risotto. Also excellent alongside firm cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda.

Verdict
A standout Pessac-Léognan from an exceptional vintage — complex, elegant, and age-worthy, yet already a pleasure to drink. A wine that bridges power and finesse beautifully.
— 10 months ago