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Tasting notes
A big, ripe wine, the 2011 Cignale is endowed with tons of depth and overall intensity. The flavors are bold throughout, with plenty of dark fruit, spice, mocha and new oak that add raciness. The 2011 needs to be opened at least an hour in advance to allow the aromatics to find their focus.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
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.