Matthew Cohen

9.3

N: hint oak
P: intense pineapple and acid. Very well done.

Grapevine 32 3/5 25 btg — an hour ago

Matthew Doty

8.9

2023 vintage. A solid everyday Malbec. Best with ~1 hr to breathe — 5 months ago

Katie Dooley

9.1

A decent and cheap Chardonnay — 9 months ago

Matthew Cohen

9.1

N cherry cough syrup a bit. Cranberry.
P almost dusty. Solid. Good cherry. Subtly herbs.

Grapevine 40 — an hour ago

Richard Siddall-Jones

9.0

Easy drinking. Dark berries, little oak, smooth tannins — 7 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸

Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.

Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.

Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.

Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.

Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.

Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 9 months ago

Kerri

8.9

Medium bodied, fruity, enjoyed it — a month ago

FP

9.0

This was good. Best of the grocery store selection and sub $20 — 3 months ago

romo

9.1

Kind of correct, surprisingly. Super-drinkable at maturity. — 7 months ago

Lizzie Moore

9.0

Full bodied, dark. Would go well with red meat dish. — a year ago