This dark, inky, extract loaded Cabernet Sauvignon (90%) and Merlot (10%) blend has staggering power, concentration and longevity. Elevage is in new and second use barriques for 18-24 months and the wine displays Tuscan weight and structure, packed with powerful fruit and an edge of elegance. Unfiltered at bottling, the wine is released four years following the harvest and cellar life is 15+ years. A perfect wine to complement rich meat and game dishes (wild boar of course) or Chianina Bistecca.

This is a historic collaboration between Castello di Querceto and the importer Empson. The Castello di Querceto 2016 Cignale is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with a tiny part Merlot to soften it up. This is a plump, rich and nicely structured wine with a dark core of dense fruit, spice, dark blackberry and dried plum. The wine is structured and firm with good support for all that rich and dense oak fruit. Compared to the slightly softer 2015 vintage, this wine is more angular and tightly wound. - 94pts Robert Parker