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.” — a year 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  — 2 years ago

Rita Ernst

8.9

Grenache Syrah blend Thrive Wine — 3 years ago

Martinez

9.2

The estate’s flagship wine, Samsara is 100% Petit Verdot from Ronda in southern Spain, a region that is gaining certain notoriety for its Petit Verdot. A late ripening grape variety, Petit Verdot is a minor ingredient in Bordeaux blends where it often fails to ripen properly. But it seems to thrive in warmer regions like Australia, certain parts of California and here in Ronda, where it was first introduced in the early 1990s. Grapes are sourced from El Juncal vineyard, a very cool site at about 2,800 ft elevation, on clay-sandy soils. Fermented with indigenous yeasts (50% whole-cluster) and aged in French and Hungarian oak for 9 months. Dense, dark ruby color. Dark fruit on the nose and palate. Herbal and balsamic notes and a whiff of cinnamon. Complex, structured, very smooth tannins. — 4 years 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 — a year 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. — 3 years ago

Martinez

8.9

Pinot Noir from a tiny family-run estate in Ronda. Founded by Austrian architect Martin Kieninger, the winery works with mostly Austrian varieties and rootstock Kieninger brought from Austria - Zweigelt, Blaufränkisch and Pinot Noir, a variety that seems to thrive in the Ronda-. Whole-cluster fermentation with indigenous yeasts and 12 months aging in French oak barrels. Shy nose. Red fruit and herbal notes. Full-bodied and quite bold (15% ABV!) for a Pinot Noir. Not terribly complex. — 4 years ago

Jan de Weerd

9.3

Still cruising around in this rough, rugged country of Valle Guadalupe to find those diamonds. Swerving around pot holes, crossing submerged roads, climbing pitted dirt roads, we found one in Bodegas Magoni. An Italian born winemaker and a true pioneer here in the valley. Focused on making old world Spanish, Italian or Bordeaux style wines. Selecting and developing his own clones of the principal wine varieties of these regions to help them adapt and thrive in this valley’s climate. This Rioja style, Tempranillo driven blend is a great example. Dense, intense and super balanced. Rich cigar box, leather a dry dark cherry on the palette. Fine grained tannins creating a lingering finish. Optimum acidity to cleanse your palette for the next sip! — 2 years ago

with RoAnne and Tammy

Rita Ernst

10

Thrive Wine! — 3 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! — 3 years ago