Castellina di Castellare Poggio ai Merli 2016

97+ points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The 2016 Poggio ai Merli is gorgeous. That's the short and the long of it. Merlot shows some of its best performances ever in Tuscany in the 2016 vintage. This wine is exceedingly smooth and silky, yet its tightly knit fiber supports a generous profile that ranges from dark cherry to spice, to tobacco and fresh potting soil. On the palate, the wine is rich and large in scope, yet it never leaves behind any residual heaviness. Castellare di Castellina has created a true beauty (with only 4,000 precious bottles made). (Oct 2018)"

95 points James Suckling: "This shows really pure aromas in the essence-like zone such as soaked blueberries and blackberry crumble. More floral elements of pressed violets and lavender follow. Hints of vanilla, too. Full body, very polished tannins, loads of blue fruit and a long, intense finish. Very well done indeed. Pure merlot. Drink in 2022. (9/11/18)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "[$95 list] Sweet vanilla and oak notes mingle with pretty black cherry, plum and blackberry fruit in this racy red. Deep and complex, picking up mineral and spice accents on the lingering finish. Merlot. Best from 2020 through 2028. 400 cases made, 150 cases imported. (9/30/18)"

93 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Poggio ai Merli, the estate's pure Merlot, is a bold, delicious wine. There is plenty of varietal character in the glass, but with a good kick of freshness from the moderate growing season and the Tuscan accents that are such signatures of this wine. Menthol, lavender, sage and pine add layers of nuance to a core of dark fruit in this very pretty and expressive wine from Castellare. Drink: 2022-2036. (Feb 2019)"