Acclaim

Best Buy “Made with Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, this opens with aromas of violet, blackberry and a whiff of baking spice. The fresh, easy-drinking palate offers juicy black cherry, clove and a hint of ground espresso alongside supple tannins.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Nov. 1, 2015

“Offers an immediate impression of pure cherry fruit, with floral, licorice and spice accents adding depth. Features a solid supporting structure and a lingering finish. Drink now through 2020. 1,600 cases made.” -B.S., Wine Spectator, Oct. 31, 2015

“A balanced approach, featuring cherry, strawberry, spice and tobacco flavors. Fleshy midpalate, with a vibrant finish that echoes earth and tobacco details. Drink now through 2019. 1,600 cases made.” -B.S., Wine Spectator, Oct. 31, 2015

“A brilliant balance between the cherry, currant and floral side of Sangiovese and its earth, leather and tobacco elements gives this red appeal. The structure is well-integrated, and the wine shows elegance and finesse overall. Best from 2017-2024.” -B.S., Wine Spectator, Oct. 31, 2015

“This is rich, with ripe kirsch, raspberry, floral and tobacco flavors. Structured, presenting a balance that will integrate fully in a year or so. Juicy and long. Best from 2017 through 2021. 1,600 cases made..” -B.S., Wine Spectator, Oct. 31, 2015

“As always, the 2011 Cignale is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot (aged for 24 months in oak). The wine represents a joint venture between vintner Alessandro François and importer Neil Empson, and it has brought lots of attention to Castello di Querceto over the years. This edition shows dark cherry and dark fruit layers with generous spice, cinnamon and grilled herb. There’s a sudden point of sour cherry followed by sharp tannic firmness. This wine needs to flesh out further. The exciting news from Castello di Querceto this year is the introduction of a new high-end wine called QueRceto Romantic. Only 3,500 bottles were made of this Petit Verdot-Merlot-Syrah blend. The first vintage is 2009 and it will be released early next year, some six years after the harvest. QueRceto Romantic is dedicated to the rolling hills at the back of the winery in Greve-in-Chianti. According to legend, this is the birthplace of the God of wine, Bacchus. You can see a tiny image of him at the center of the label. This is meant to be the enological centerpiece of Castello di Querceto’s long winemaking legacy. In addition to this new wine, I had the opportunity to taste select older vintages of the Chianti Classico Riserva Il Picchio (now a Gran Selezione wine), La Corte and Cignale.” – Monica Larner, WIne Advocate, Oct. 2015

“A mature, accessible red, whose sweet cherry and plum flavors are enhanced by mineral, leather and spice notes. Still has some grip on the finish, which is long and spicy. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Drink now through 2020. 1,000 cases made.” -B.S., Wine Spectator, Oct. 15, 2015

“Aromas of tropical fruit, yellow peach and white almond mark the nose of this rich, structured white. The round, juicy palate delivers pineapple, tangy citrus, green apple and mineral. It’s nicely balanced, with moderate acidity and good length.” —Kerin O’Keefe, Wine Enthusiast Nov. 1, 2015

“Succulent and juicy nose of plum and liqueur cherries. Pretty floral red berry notes that last, thanks to harmonious acidity. Aromas of saffron to finish.” -Decanter, Oct. 1, 2015

“Plenty of strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, but it’s refined and elegant with brightness and finesse. Polished and wonderfully harmonious. Really gorgeous. One of wines of the vintage. Drink or hold.” -James Suckling, Oct. 2015