Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Cusumano – Merlot Terre Siciliane IGT 2023
Sicily – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Cusumano is one of Sicily’s most progressive family-owned wineries, blending modern winemaking with the island’s ancient terroirs. This 100% Merlot comes from vineyards planted in the rolling hills of the Terre Siciliane IGT, showcasing how international varieties thrive under Sicily’s Mediterranean sun and volcanic-influenced soils.

Aromas & Flavors
Plum, blackberry, and red cherry dominate the nose, with soft accents of violets, Mediterranean herbs, and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, it’s juicy and fruit-driven, supported by hints of spice and earth that keep it grounded.

Mouthfeel
Smooth and medium-bodied, with round tannins and fresh acidity. A vibrant, approachable wine that finishes gently with a fruity, slightly savory edge.

Winemaking Notes
Vinified in stainless steel to preserve freshness and fruit purity, with short aging in neutral vessels. Cusumano’s style emphasizes clean, modern lines rather than heavy oak influence.

Food Pairing
Perfect with pasta alla norma, margherita pizza, grilled sausages, or aged caciocavallo cheese. Its balance of fruit and freshness makes it versatile for everyday Mediterranean dining.

Verdict
An easy-drinking, modern Sicilian Merlot that’s both accessible and expressive of place. Proof that international grapes can shine beautifully on the island, especially when crafted with balance and restraint. A la salute! — 2 months ago

Vanessa

8.9

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

The rains fall soft upon your fields,

And, until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand. — 3 years ago

Brandon T

9.3

Light on its feet, with loads of cherries. Started out a bit dusty, but the fruit began to shine after an hour decant. — 5 years ago

Joe DAscoli

9.2

This bad boy needed airtime to let the phenols blow off. I think this was actually best with about an hour of air and closer to room temperature. Then it had much better balance and some of the oakville sun shine through — 5 months ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

I get why people who generally always review this producer as just good consuming it young. This is ten years from birth, eight years in bottle and it is still not at its peak. it has ten years and perhaps more properly stored. Very good tonight but better things ahead. It takes this long and longer for WS Pinots to shine.

The palate is, juicy, ripe, rich, a bit lush; blackberries, dark cherries, black plum, black raspberries, purple fruits, hues of blueberries, plum and ripe to dry strawberries with a pomegranate overlay. Then, dry earthiness, top soil, crushed rocks & powdery limestone & chalkiness, dark spices, some black pepper, dry brush, eucalyptus, tree sap, sun tea, black and red cola/licorice, drier tobacco, barrel dust to shavings, nutmeg, cinnamon stick, vanilla, touch of dry herbs-bay leaves & sage, bright red, pink, blue, purple florals framed in dark slightly withering florals, rain shower acidity, the finish is; well structured & balanced in fruit, earth & flowers, some more tension than I like but will soften & fade nicely in 3-5 years. But, wire to wire really even and stunning. Evolution & integration is good but needs 3-5 years to be its best. Coravin glass.

IMHO, one of the outstanding CA Pinot producers. Walter Hansel gives them a run for the money at their fantastic price point. — 2 years ago

Vanessa

9.2

Today we visited the peaceful, tranquil vineyard and winery of @quintessawinery where years ago Augustin and Valeria Huneeus, of Chile 🇨🇱, set their sights on one of Rutherford’s gem properties, offering diverse soils, aspects, and four distinct microclimates all on the same property😍 🍇

Valeria, the viticulturist of the family, chose to farm this land organically and biodynamically. Quintessa more recently pursued and obtained formal certification. While the Huneeuses remain intimately involved, albeit to a lesser degree, the excellence of these wines and winemaking practices are carried forward under currrent winemaker Rebekah Wineburg. @postandvine

Here we have a flight that includes two Illumination white blends comprised of Sauvignon Blanc Musque, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semilllon varieties.

These blends are reminiscent of a Bordeaux Blanc from Pessac-Leognan region. These wines were fermented for various periods of time in a combination of concrete, stainless steel, acacia wood, and neutral oak vessels, lending dimension and complexity. These wines also underwent lees stirring, lending richness, weight, and creaminess. Just one year difference between these two wines and the result is noteworthy.

The 2018 is elegant, more restrained, and integrated, where as the 2019 is highly aromatic with florals 🌸 and tropical fruits such as melon, papaya, tart pineapple 🍍 . Both wines are approx 14% ABV and have bright acidity.

The name Illumination came from time spent in the vineyard, watching the sun illuminate the vines. The beautiful work on the label was inspired by the Book of Kells and stained glass, known to glow and shine with the luminescent sun. ☀️ — 5 years ago

with Deked1

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

This is Val Conde Crianza Tempranillo. Nice dark color of blood. Smells like fresh water in a stream and warm strawberries in the summer sun. Flavors are dense and woody. Hints of cedar. Lots of lovely berry. Smolders on the palate. Pretty classic Spanish Tempranillo Crianza. American oak effects shine through. — 8 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

It is a dark wine, one which lets very little light pass through. The nose displays more fruit than oak, which is a good sign if you plan to chill it and serve it outside. Blackberry, raspberry, cassis, anise all shine brightly, with light notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is clean and fresh, with the dark fruit taking a bow. The tannins are maybe a little firm for an outdoor meal under the sun, but the acidity is brisk and refreshing. — 2 years ago

Willie Carter

9.0

Enjoying the always lovely Hebrart rosé. It’s unfair to say this is perfect for the summer because really, it’s always the right time to open this.

Sleek, sensual, and sexy. Just like the sophisticated older lady you met in college while visiting the city that taught all the things you should know. Summer berries and fresh herbs. Spice takes over and guides you on an aromatic journey. Toasty with a just a hint of yeast. Mint and vanilla.

Unmistakably Chardonnay dominant though the Pinot Noir shows well. Wonderful tension and balance with pleasing acidity. The trademark Hebrart harmony and finesse really shine through. Charming and lovely from the first sip to the last. Very pure, very focused. Beautiful rosé. Drink with good company. — 4 years ago

Tree Kilpatrick

8.9

Label is pretty garish. A bit Trump-ian. Heavy as a 2 pound hammer. Smells interesting. Beach rocks, berry pies and rain storms. Also lumber in the sun. Flavors are beefy and bold. Balanced. A bit too clean for true Syrah style and expression. It’s got a nice zip to it. Plenty of cutting acid. That helps keep it intriguing and keeps the fruit bombs at bay. Finish is raspy and sultry, like a smoker, lady singer. For a G.O. $8 wine I’m pleased with my purchase. I’d not pay the $55 this was at the winery (which I think folded). It’s a nice wine. — 5 years ago