Acclaim

“Fresh, nimble red berries and red cherries with chalk, white sesame and a nice peppery edge. Quite vertical on the medium-bodied palate, with fresh, assertive tannins that develop and grow on the palate, giving an austere and chalky grip at the end. Elegant but super-structured, with lovely clarity. Drink from 2024.” – James Suckling

I love the licorice and herbal aromas here, alongside chocolate cherries and plums. Hints of vanilla and praline, too. It’s creamy, lightly chewy and full-bodied, with berry-soaked tannins and a long and deliciously mellow finish. Pulls you back for more. Drink or hold.

This wine represents a historic joint venture between Tuscan producer Castello di Querceto and importer Empson USA. The 2019 Cignale is a richly concentrated blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon complemented with 10% Merlot that ages in French oak for 18 months. This wine offers plenty of black fruit, blackberry, soft spice and tobacco. The wine’s flavor profile shows the pretty intensity and balance that this vintage is known for. This is a 10,000-bottle production.

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