Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Paradigm – Cabernet Franc 2009
Oakville, Napa Valley – USA 🇺🇸

Overview:
From one of Oakville’s benchmark estates, this 100% Cabernet Franc delivers the kind of depth and structure only Napa’s prime vineyards can produce. A bold yet refined expression of the grape, showing its potential well beyond the Loire style.

Aromas & Flavors:
An outstanding concentration of ripe red fruits, cherry compote, plum, and raspberry, interwoven with savory tobacco leaf, leather, and a dusting of cocoa powder. Subtle notes of dried herbs and graphite linger in the background, giving it a Bordeaux-like complexity with Napa ripeness.

Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied and powerful with a rich, velvety texture. The tannins are firm yet polished, supporting a long, layered finish. Still vibrant and holding beautifully at this stage, showcasing the longevity of the 2009 vintage.

Food Pairings:
Perfect alongside grilled lamb chops, venison, or braised short ribs. Earthy mushroom risotto or truffle pasta would also highlight its savory elegance.

Verdict:
Superb Cabernet Franc with boldness, intensity, and finesse. A wine that reaffirms Oakville as one of Napa’s crown jewels for structured reds. Cheers!

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
2009 remains a standout vintage for collectors, this bottle is superb today but still has a few more years of life. Paradigm produces Cabernet Franc in very limited quantities, making it a gem worth seeking out and cellaring. — an hour ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Proelio – Tempranillo Crianza 2015
DOCa Rioja – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview:
Made from Tempranillo and aged 12 months in barrel, Crianza wines are typically crafted for early enjoyment rather than long aging. Yet this 2015 surprises with its grace and staying power, showing how well Rioja structure and fruit can carry even at this stage.

Aromas & Flavors:
Red cherry, stewed plum, and dried strawberry notes mingle with soft cedar, leather, and a faint touch of vanilla. Secondary notes of earth and warm spice reveal the benefits of bottle age.

Mouthfeel:
Light to medium-bodied, rounded and smooth. The tannins have mellowed beautifully, leaving a silky texture and a warm, gentle finish.

Food Pairings:
A natural partner for tapas, roasted chicken, grilled lamb chops, or Manchego cheese.

Verdict:
Unexpectedly affable and delicious for its age. Proof that even a Crianza, when well-made, can exceed expectations and bring pleasure a decade later. Cheers!

Did You Know?
In Rioja, the classification terms Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva don’t only refer to aging potential, but to minimum legal barrel and bottle aging before release. Crianzas usually age 1 year in barrel + 1 in bottle, making them approachable young. But in great vintages or from careful producers, Crianzas can surprise with longevity well beyond expectations.
— 3 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Geghani – Kangun Semi-Dry White 2021
Ararat Region – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview:
100% Kangun, an indigenous Armenian grape variety. This semi-dry style highlights both fruit concentration and texture, with partial aging in amphora clay adding depth and a distinctive character.

Aromas & Flavors:
The wine bursts with dried apricot, baked yellow pear, and honeydew melon, layered with honeysuckle and subtle honeyed tones. There’s a soft oxidative nuance that adds complexity without overwhelming the freshness.

Mouthfeel:
Round and fruit-driven with a silky mid-palate, the sweetness is well-balanced by acidity, keeping the wine lively. The amphora influence provides a slightly earthy texture and a long, elegant finish.

Food Pairings:
Ideal alongside foie gras, blue cheeses, fruit tarts, or simply enjoyed as a contemplative glass on its own.

Verdict:
A beautiful expression of Kangun that straddles the line between classic sweet wines like Sauternes or Tokaji, but with a distinctly Armenian soul. Memorable and unique. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Kangun was developed in Armenia in the 1940s as a cross between local and international grapes, making it one of the country’s most planted white varieties today. Its name translates to “resistant”, reflecting its hardiness in Armenia’s extreme continental climate. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Don Próspero – Tannat 2017
Canelones, Uruguay 🇺🇾

Overview:
Made from Uruguay’s flagship grape, this 100% Tannat hails from the Canelones region, the country’s viticultural heartland. It captures the bold, structured, and unapologetically powerful style that has put Uruguay on the wine map.

Aromas & Flavors:
Dark fruit at its core, black plum, blackberry, and cassis, wrapped in notes of cedar, baking spice, and a touch of earth. After hours in the decanter, it remained tight yet expressive, with hints of licorice and savory herbs peeking through.

Mouthfeel:
Full-bodied with gripping, chewy tannins and firm dryness. The structure dominates, yet there’s depth and intensity that suggests longevity. Still evolving in the glass.

Food Pairings:
Perfect with rich and fatty dishes that tame its tannins, think grilled ribeye, lamb shanks, or slow-braised short ribs. Also works with aged Manchego or blue cheese.

Verdict:
A serious, food-demanding Tannat that showcases Uruguay’s bold personality. Not a casual sipper, but for the right pairing it becomes absolutely delicious. With its muscle and backbone, this vintage still has 5–8 years of cellaring potential ahead. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Uruguay is the only country where Tannat is the national grape, brought over by Basque settlers in the 19th century. Canelones, just north of Montevideo, produces nearly two-thirds of Uruguay’s wine and is known for its Atlantic breezes, which help balance Tannat’s tannic intensity with freshness. — an hour ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.4

Terralsole – Brunello di Montalcino Riserva 2012
Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview:
100% Sangiovese Grosso, sourced from Terralsole’s meticulously farmed vineyards in Montalcino. A Riserva, aged longer for depth and refinement.

Aromas & Flavors:
A captivating nose of dried red cherry, leather, and hints of sweet tobacco. On the palate, silky and velvety textures unfold with layers of cherry liqueur, red plum, and subtle earthy spice, rounded by an elegant touch of balsamic herbs.

Mouthfeel:
Smooth, polished tannins glide across the palate, perfectly integrated with a medium+ body and vibrant acidity. Luxurious yet balanced, with a long, lingering finish that evolves in the glass.

Food Pairings:
An excellent match with bistecca alla Fiorentina, aged Pecorino Toscano, or truffle risotto.

Verdict:
A serious Brunello Riserva that has matured beautifully yet still has years ahead. Refined, structured, and utterly soulful—a wine that reflects the elegance and gravitas of Montalcino.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
This vintage (2012) is one of the most ideal Brunellos for wine collectors, standing proudly alongside the iconic 2010. Produced only in very limited quantities, Terralsole’s Riserva is silky, smooth, and velvety while still carrying the full soul of Sangiovese. An unforgettable experience and a true cellar-worthy gem. — 5 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Winterlandschaft – Glühwein (Mulled Wine)
Germany 🇩🇪

Overview
Glühwein is Germany’s traditional winter warmer, a spiced red wine typically enjoyed at Christmas markets. Unlike regular table wine, this one comes pre-spiced and ready to heat, just pour gently into a pot (don’t boil!) and serve steaming hot.

Aromas & Flavors
The nose bursts with festive spice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange zest, and a whisper of star anise. On the palate, it’s warming, slightly sweet, and packed with flavors of mulled cherries, baked apples, dried cranberries, and holiday spice medley.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with a velvety texture. The sweetness is balanced by the spice, creating a cozy, round mouthfeel that lingers with a warming finish.

Food Pairing
Perfect on its own as a winter treat. It also pairs with gingerbread cookies, roasted nuts, fruitcake, or savory bites like roasted sausages and cheese fondue.

Verdict
A ready-to-drink festive classic, cozy, nostalgic, and perfect for cold nights. It’s not meant for deep analysis but for pure enjoyment with friends around the fire or strolling through a Christmas market atmosphere. Cheers!

Did you know?
Glühwein literally means “glow-wine,” a name dating back to when it was heated with glowing red-hot irons in medieval times. Today, it’s a holiday tradition across Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Fattoria Selvapiana – Chianti Rufina 2016
Chianti Rufina DOCG – Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview:
Made predominantly from Sangiovese, Selvapiana is one of the benchmark producers of the Chianti Rufina subzone—often overshadowed by Chianti Classico but known for its elegance and longevity.

Aromas & Flavors:
Red berries lead the way, with cherry and cranberry joined by subtle wild herbs, dried flowers, and a touch of earthy minerality. With age, a gentle floral lift and savory nuance have emerged.

Mouthfeel:
Medium-bodied with rounded acidity and fine tannins, delivering a graceful and balanced structure. The 2016 vintage has shown itself remarkably well, aging more elegantly than many would expect outside of Chianti Classico.

Food Pairings:
Excellent with Tuscan staples such as bistecca alla Fiorentina, roasted pork with herbs, or a simple pasta with tomato and pecorino.

Verdict:
A refined and elegant Chianti Rufina that proves this appellation can age beautifully. Balanced, expressive, and surprisingly complex for its category. — 2 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Kanonkop – Kadette Pinotage Rosé 2022
Stellenbosch – South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview:
Crafted from Pinotage, a grape born from crossing Pinot Noir and Cinsault, this rosé highlights the unique South African innovation with a refreshing, modern expression.

Aromas & Flavors:
Delicate red berries, watermelon, and pomegranate on the nose, with crisp citrus undertones. The palate follows through with juicy red fruit, a whisper of floral notes, and a refreshing mineral streak.

Mouthfeel:
Light, bright, and energetic. Crisp acidity keeps it lively, with a clean, thirst-quenching finish.

Food Pairings:
Excellent with grilled shrimp, sushi, light salads, or simply as a refreshing aperitif on a warm day.

Verdict:
A distinctive rosé that showcases the brilliance of Pinotage beyond its traditional red wine style. Juicy, crisp, and not so common, a refreshing take on a proudly South African grape. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Pinotage was created in 1925 by South African scientist Abraham Perold, who crossed Pinot Noir and Cinsault (locally called Hermitage). While often debated for its red wine style, Pinotage has found new life in rosé and sparkling versions, loved for their vibrancy and freshness. — 3 hours ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Geghani – Kangun Dry White 2023
Ararat Region – Armenia 🇦🇲

Overview:
100% Kangun from a micro-producer, crafted in truly small batches. This artisanal style embraces Armenia’s ancient winemaking traditions, resulting in a distinctive and authentic expression of this indigenous grape.

Aromas & Flavors:
Bright notes of mandarin zest and lemon peel lead the way, supported by subtle orchard fruits and a touch of herbal freshness. A mineral backbone keeps everything lively and pure.

Mouthfeel:
Crisp and refreshing with vibrant acidity, balanced by a rounded texture that gives depth. The finish is long, clean, and slightly saline, echoing the terroir.

Food Pairings:
Pairs beautifully with grilled fish, dolma, fresh salads with citrus vinaigrettes, or goat cheese. A versatile companion for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

Verdict:
A strikingly fresh and artisanal Kangun that shows both elegance and substance. A must-try for those exploring Armenia’s hidden gems. Cheers! — 3 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Dr. Heidemanns-Bergweiler – Dornfelder 2023
Mosel – Germany 🇩🇪

Overview
100% Dornfelder, a German-born varietal developed in the 1950s and prized for its deep color and easy-drinking charm. From the steep Mosel slopes, this red offers a more approachable and fruit-forward style compared to the region’s classic Spätburgunder.

Aromas & Flavors
Bursts of black cherries, ripe plums, and blackberry jam mingle with floral hints of violets and a touch of baking spice. On the palate, it’s smooth and juicy with subtle notes of cocoa and a gentle earthy undertone.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with soft tannins and balanced acidity, making it supple and approachable. The finish is rounded and slightly sweet-fruited, highlighting its youthful charm.

Food Pairing
Pairs wonderfully with charcuterie, roast duck, BBQ pork, or even casual fare like burgers and pizza. Also a great “chillable red” option for warmer days.

Verdict
A friendly, fruit-driven red that showcases Dornfelder’s unique personality. Easygoing, versatile, and highly drinkable, perfect for those exploring beyond Germany’s traditional wines. It may be served a bit chilled in summer for an uplifting coolness, cheers!

Did you know?
Dornfelder is Germany’s second most planted red grape (after Spätburgunder/Pinot Noir). It was created in 1955 by crossing Helfensteiner and Heroldrebe, specifically to produce wines with deeper color than traditional German reds. — 3 days ago