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

Daniel Bloom

9.1

I’m not sure where my previous note went.
Just when you thought you knew Italy, up pops this might as well be SwissFrench alpine darling from the Vallée D’Aoste.
Blanc de Morgex et de la salle. The town/village of Morgex lies just below Mt. Blanc. The Prié Blanc vines thrive in soil that has not known phylloxera.
Stones, herbs,and lemons all wrapped up in a rather electric pkg. I think drink young. Cold, the nose doesn’t have much to say past stone fruit, maybe rainier cherries.,But the palate is pow! Lemons, herbs, mineral, high acid and refreshing. With fried Branzino, perfect!
Always a sucker for high altitude Italian.
Thanks@ AstorWines — 2 years ago

Erik Rini

9.2

I have not historically been a fan of NY state wines but a recent trip to the north fork of Long Island showed me the dramatic improvement of quality over the years. This Chardonnay has such purity of fruit with bursting apple and just a little oak. McCalls wines are stellar and I recommend a trip to their tasting room if you are in the area. You cannot buy their wines at stores with such low production. This one is only 125 cases folks!!! Great proof that Chardonnay can thrive in NY state! — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

San-Lurins Sparkling Malvasia 2019
Venezia Giulia IGT, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
100% Malvasia from Friuli’s Venezia Giulia, where aromatic whites thrive under Adriatic breezes and Alpine influence. This bottling is a “sparkling by nature” style (ancestral / pétillant naturel method), showcasing both the grape’s perfumed character and the region’s tradition of lively, naturally fizzy wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Aromatic and lifted, with floral tones of orange blossom and jasmine, alongside ripe pear, apricot, and tropical hints of lychee. On the palate, citrus zest and stone fruit meet herbal touches and a gentle nutty nuance.

Mouthfeel
Crisp and refreshing, with fine, natural bubbles that carry a light creaminess. Medium body, vibrant acidity, and a savory, saline edge that reflects its coastal terroir.

Winemaking Notes
Sparkling “by nature,” likely via spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts and bottled with residual sugar for a secondary fermentation in bottle. This results in a slightly rustic, artisanal charm with leesy complexity.

Food Pairing
Perfect with Venetian cicchetti (small bites), fried calamari, seafood risotto, or fresh cheeses. A playful aperitivo wine that also works well with light Asian-fusion dishes.

Verdict
A fun, aromatic, and regionally distinctive sparkling Malvasia—full of personality, charm, and refreshment. This is Friuli at its most approachable, bridging history and modern pét-nat appeal. — 2 months ago

Joseph Misiti

9.2

It’s a hard grape to grow, as you know. It’s thin-skinned, temperamental. It’s not a survivor like Cabernet that can grow anywhere and thrive even when neglected. PINOT needs constant care and attention, you know? And in fact it can only grow in these really specific, little, tucked away corners of the world. And, and only the most patient and nurturing of growers can do it, really. Only somebody who really takes the time… to understand PINOT’S potential… can then coax it into its fullest expression.” — 2 years ago

Paul T HB

9.3

Wouldn’t pay full price, auction price 👍🏼

The Planeta family have been making wines in Sicily since the 1600s. Cometa, comprised of 100% Fiano grapes, comes from Ulmo, the family’s first winery situated on the banks of the Arancio Lake in eastern Sicily. The deep and chalky soil is perfect for this ancient grape variety to thrive in. Cometa is an intense, yet elegant white wine with a wide range of aromas like lychees, nectarines, mandarin, peppermint and hints of chamomile and wild thyme. It is outstanding when paired with seafood and vegetable dishes. — 4 years ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2022 vintage. Medium-medium heavy body. Chalky cherry nose. A waterfall of flavors with both punch and tannins. Was really close to rating this a 9.3 but held back just barely. This VV can go PNP now or stow it away for a decade. It's got plenty of stuffing to survive and thrive. 06.12.25. — 5 months ago

Freddy R. Troya

8.9

Nicely done! An approachable Cabernet Sauvignon grown at their own vineyards; Yertabulti & Provis by the northern end of the Clare Valley in South Australia, which deemed has a perfect climate for this varietal to thrive.
Plenty aromas of juicy dark cherries, dark chocolate with a subtle touch of herbs, on the palate it dances gracefully thanks to his soft tannings and mouthfeel. Medium-bodied with nice structure. The finish is also medium and pleasant with recurrence of the herbals sensed on the nose initially. — 7 months ago

Douglas Braun

9.0

2019 Vintage - this a great bargain , Saumur- IChampigny (Cabernet Franc) pencil lead ,rose petal , cherry fruit , subtle oak need to buy more super fun Kudos to the buyer at Thrive  — 3 years ago

Rita Ernst

8.9

Grenache Syrah blend Thrive Wine — 4 years ago