Freddy R. Troya

8.8

BDx – Sauvignon Blanc, 2023
Bordeaux AOC, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A modern, easygoing white Bordeaux made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, designed for pure drinkability and value. Clean, fresh, and uncomplicated, this is Bordeaux in a contemporary, crowd-pleasing expression, no oak, no excess, just crisp fruit and balance. A textbook example of how accessible and reliable everyday Bordeaux Blanc can be.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright and straightforward with notes of citrus zest, green apple, and a touch of white peach. Subtle herbal hints, fresh cut grass and lemon leaf, add lift, keeping the profile lively and refreshing without sharp edges.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with crisp, clean acidity. The palate is smooth, refreshing, and linear, finishing dry and zesty with no heaviness, exactly what you want from an easy Sauvignon Blanc.

Food Pairings
Perfect with salads, seafood, grilled vegetables, light poultry dishes, or simple aperitif moments. An excellent option for brunches, casual gatherings, or warm-weather sipping.

Verdict
A no-fuss, well-made Sauvignon Blanc that delivers honest quality at a very friendly price point. Not trying to impress with complexity, just dependable, refreshing, and highly approachable. Ideal for large crowds and everyday enjoyment.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight

This is the kind of “anytime” white for those looking for something fresh, easy, and reliable. While my personal preference in Bordeaux whites usually leans toward Pessac-Léognan, where Sauvignon Blanc often sees concrete or traditional vats for added texture and expression, this wine plays a different role. It’s not about depth or structure, but pure approachability and value, and in that lane, it delivers exactly what it promises. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Five Stones Vineyards – D vs G Dry White Wine 2024
Tel Azekah, Judean Hills – Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A Mediterranean-driven dry white from the Tel Azekah area in the Judean Hills, where limestone-rich soils and elevation shape wines of clarity and finesse. This blend of 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Roussanne, and 30% Viognier reflects thoughtful craftsmanship and terroir transparency. Sauvignon Blanc delivers freshness and aromatic lift, while Roussanne and Viognier contribute texture, floral nuance, and depth, resulting in a balanced and expressive white.

Aromas & Flavors
Refined and intricate, showing white peach, ripe pear, citrus zest, and soft tropical notes. Floral accents of honeysuckle and orange blossom glide alongside gentle stone fruit and subtle herbal tones, all framed by a Mediterranean sense of place.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a smooth, lightly rounded texture balanced by refreshing acidity. The palate feels polished and harmonious, finishing dry with lingering fruit and a delicate mineral imprint.

Food Pairings
Grilled fish, herb-roasted chicken, Mediterranean vegetable dishes, tahini-based plates, roasted cauliflower, and semi-soft cheeses. Equally enjoyable as an aperitif or with casual, everyday cuisine.

Verdict
A confident and well-composed Israeli white that highlights the Judean Hills’ ability to produce wines of elegance and personality. Versatile, aromatic, and food-friendly, with both freshness and substance. Cheers!

🍷 Personal Pick highlights
This wine strongly resonates with my preferred white-blend style, aromatic, textured, and balanced. It’s officially becoming my new go-to companion for relaxed meals and casual cuisine.

Did You Know?
Five Stones Vineyards has earned recent and compelling international accolades, including multiple Terravino Gold and Double Gold Medals, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of Israel’s standout boutique producers in both the kosher and global wine markets. — 7 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Yarden – Chardonnay – 2023
Galilee – Golan Heights Winery, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A dry, terroir-driven Chardonnay from the elevated vineyards of the Galilee and Golan Heights, where altitude and cooler temperatures preserve freshness and minerality. This is a restrained, modern expression, focused more on clarity and balance than overt oak influence, allowing site and fruit purity to take center stage.

Aromas & Flavors
Clean and expressive with notes of tropical fruit layered over subtle orchard tones. Pineapple and ripe mango lead, followed by baked pear, green sliced apple, and a light citrus peel accent. Mineral undertones add definition and keep the fruit in check.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a refreshing line through the palate. The texture is smooth yet energetic, finishing dry and clean with lingering fruit and mineral tension.

Food Pairings (Kosher-friendly)
Grilled or roasted fish, herb-roasted chicken, vegetable couscous, quinoa salads, or kosher cheeses such as aged gouda or manchego-style alternatives. Also excellent with Mediterranean mezze or simple olive-oil–driven dishes.

Verdict
A well-made, honest Chardonnay that delivers freshness, balance, and a clear sense of place. Not flashy or heavily oaked, but dependable and expressive, an easy recommendation for those who enjoy mineral-driven, food-friendly whites.

Did You Know?
Yarden sources fruit from some of Israel’s highest-elevation vineyards, where cooler nights help maintain acidity, key to the wine’s freshness and structure.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
I appreciate the purity here. Clean, mineral, and refreshing, with just enough fruit weight to stay engaging. A solid kosher, non-mevushal Chardonnay that respects both terroir and balance. — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.7

Titus – Zinfandel, 2023 Napa Valley, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A refined, estate-driven 100% Zinfandel from Napa Valley, crafted by legendary winemaker Phillip Corallo-Titus at Titus Vineyards. Sourced from Titus’s own vineyards, this bottling showcases a rare side of New World Zinfandel, focused on elegance, balance, and finesse rather than excess ripeness or heat.

Aromas & Flavors
Polished red and black berry aromas lead the way, ripe cherry, raspberry, and blackberry, layered with subtle baking spice, cocoa powder, and a hint of dried herbs. The fruit remains fresh and well-defined, never jammy, with gentle oak seasoning adding depth without dominance.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied and impressively smooth, with fine-grained tannins and a silky texture. The palate is harmonious and composed, finishing long and graceful with lingering spice and fruit purity.

Food Pairings
Excellent with grilled lamb chops, herb-roasted chicken, barbecue with restraint, mushroom-based dishes, or aged semi-hard cheeses. Also versatile enough to enjoy on its own.

Verdict
One of the most elegant and polished Zinfandels from the New World. This is Napa Zinfandel redefined—precise, refined, and expressive. A benchmark style that comfortably sits among the top Zins in the world.

Did You Know?
Titus Vineyards is one of Napa Valley’s long-established, family-owned estates, with Phillip Corallo-Titus recognized for crafting wines that emphasize balance and site expression over power.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This wine hits all the right notes for me, smooth, elegant, and beautifully balanced. A standout Zinfandel that proves finesse and structure can coexist effortlessly. A true top-tier Zin in my book. — 3 days 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. — 6 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.5

Hajdu Heirloom Red blend – 2024
California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A California heirloom-style red inspired by historic mixed plantings from old vineyards in Lodi and Contra Costa. This blend of Zinfandel, Carignan, and Mourvèdre is built for immediate approachability, prioritizing ripe fruit expression and softness over structure or site specificity.

Aromas & Flavors
Jammy red and dark fruit dominate the profile, with notes of strawberry preserves, blackberry compote, and marmalade. Hints of sweet spice appear in the background, but the wine remains firmly fruit-forward with little savory complexity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full-bodied with soft, rounded tannins and very low grip. Juicy and smooth on the palate, leaning toward a plush, almost candied texture rather than tension or precision.

Food Pairings
Kosher beef dishes such as brisket, grilled kosher sausages, BBQ-style short ribs, or tomato-based pasta.Non-dairy sides recommended when pairing with meat.

Verdict
A crowd-pleasing, easygoing wine clearly designed for broad appeal. The jammy, juicy style and lack of structural restraint place it outside my personal preference.Not for me.

Did You Know?
Many historic California vineyards were planted as mixed field blends, with Zinfandel, Carignan, and Mourvèdre harvested together, a traditional practice that inspired this modern kosher interpretation. — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Bacci – Terre di Talamo, Vento – Vermentino
Toscana IGT – Maremma, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A casual, coastal Vermentino from the Maremma, shaped by Mediterranean breezes and sun-lit hillsides near the Tyrrhenian Sea. This is a straightforward, easygoing expression focused on freshness and drinkability, delivering a zippy, approachable style that feels effortless and authentic to place.

Aromas & Flavors
Delicate white florals lead, followed by citrus blossom, ripe pear, and hints of tropical fruit—pineapple and a touch of mango. Clean and precise, with a subtle saline note that nods to its coastal origin.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied with crisp acidity and a refreshing, linear palate. Clean, dry, and lively through the finish, inviting the next sip.

Food Pairings
Perfect with seafood pasta, grilled shrimp, calamari, crudo, summer salads, or light antipasti. Also a great companion to casual aperitivo moments.

Verdict
An easy, crowd-pleasing Vermentino that delivers exactly what it promises: freshness, balance, and pure coastal charm. Not complex by design, but simply delicious and highly drinkable.

Did You Know?
The Maremma is one of Tuscany’s prime areas for Vermentino, where maritime influence enhances aromatic lift and natural acidity.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is my kind of casual white, zippy, floral, and refreshing. A go-to Vermentino for relaxed meals and warm days, with just enough character to keep things interesting. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Champagne Montaudon – Brut Tradition N/V
Champagne AOC – Reims, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic, well-crafted Champagne from the historic house of Champagne Montaudon, founded in 1891. This Brut Tradition focuses on balance and immediacy, highlighting fresh fruit purity over overt autolysis. Crafted to be approachable yet authentic, it’s a reliable expression of modern, fruit-forward Champagne with restraint and finesse.

Aromas & Flavors
Clean and inviting aromatics of yellow sliced apple, pear skin, and citrus zest. Subtle notes of lemon peel and white flowers follow, with a gentle hint of brioche and pastry lingering quietly in the background rather than dominating.

Mouthfeel
Crisp and lively on entry with fine, well-integrated bubbles. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity, offering a smooth, rounded texture that carries through to a soft, polished finish.

Food Pairings
Excellent as an aperitif. Pairs beautifully with oysters, sushi, fried calamari, gougères, soft cheeses, or simple hors d’oeuvres. Also shines alongside brunch dishes or light seafood preparations.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced Champagne that delivers freshness, elegance, and drinkability. Not flashy or overly complex, but consistently satisfying and well-executed, an easy choice for both casual celebrations and everyday Champagne moments.

Did You Know?
Champagne Montaudon is one of the oldest Champagne houses still in operation, founded in Reims in 1891, with a long-standing focus on fruit expression and balance.

🍾 Personal Pick Highlight
I love how approachable this Champagne is. Fresh, zesty, and clean, with just a whisper of brioche. A great go-to bottle when you want quality bubbles without overthinking the occasion. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.8

Shirah Wine Co – Bro Deux – Cab Sauv – 2022
Knights Valley – Sonoma County, California
USA 🇺🇸

Overview
A straightforward, easygoing Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley, crafted in a casual, accessible style. This is not a power-driven or cellar-focused Cabernet, but rather one designed for immediate enjoyment, emphasizing approachability, softness, and drinkability over structure or complexity. Kosher for Passover | Non-Mevushal

Aromas & Flavors
Simple and fruit-forward, offering ripe black cherry, plum, and dark berry notes, with light touches of cocoa and sweet spice. The profile is clean and familiar, without excessive oak or herbal intensity.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with soft, rounded tannins and a smooth, uncomplicated texture. The acidity is moderate, keeping the wine balanced and easy to drink, finishing clean with minimal grip.

Food Pairings (Kosher-friendly)
Grilled kosher burgers, roasted chicken thighs, brisket, short ribs, mushroom-based dishes, or hearty vegetable stews. Also works well with casual weeknight meals or simple barbecue-style fare.

Verdict
A casual Cabernet Sauvignon that delivers exactly what it promises: ease, softness, and broad appeal. Not a wine for deep contemplation, but one that serves its purpose well as an everyday, crowd-friendly kosher red.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This one is about simplicity and accessibility. Approachable, affable, and easy to enjoy, but not my style for depth or structure. A solid casual-drinking option. — 10 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.0

Sanvito – Italian Christmas – Red Blend – N/V
Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A seasonal, non-vintage Italian red blend sourced from multiple regions across Italy, intentionally generic and unbound by appellation rules. Crafted for immediate enjoyment rather than terroir expression, this wine follows traditional Italian bulk red blending norms, prioritizing softness, accessibility, and broad appeal. No single grape is meant to dominate, and the focus is on easy fruit and smooth texture.

Aromas & Flavors
Straightforward aromas of red cherry, plum, and soft berry compote with subtle hints of dried herbs and gentle spice. The flavor profile leans fruit-forward and uncomplicated, likely anchored by Sangiovese and Montepulciano, with possible contributions from Merlot or Nero d’Avola adding roundness and softness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-light body with soft, rounded tannins and very low grip. The texture is smooth and easygoing, finishing clean and slightly warming. Designed to be approachable rather than structured, with no intention of aging.

Food Pairings
Simple tomato-based pasta dishes, pizza, roasted vegetables, meatballs, grilled sausages, or casual holiday fare. Also works as a by-the-glass red for gatherings where ease and crowd-pleasing matter most.

Verdict
A friendly, festive Italian table red that delivers comfort and simplicity over complexity. Not a wine for analysis or contemplation, but one meant for casual pours, shared moments, and seasonal enjoyment.

Did You Know?
In Italy, bulk red blends like this are commonly consumed young and often served slightly cool to enhance freshness and drinkability, especially during festive meals and large gatherings.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
Technically well-executed for its purpose, but not my style. I appreciate the softness and balance, yet the overall profile leans too easy and rounded for my palate. Best served slightly cool, but still, not one I’d personally revisit. — 10 days ago