Palafreno 2016 Agricole Querciabella

Professionele reviews

James Suckling (94)

Black cherry and banana peel aromas segue to dark, brooding blackberry, plum, iron and underbrush flavors in this austere, powerful red. Dusty tannins leave a strong grip as this plays out on the long finish.

BOW (8.50)

Jancis Robinson (17.50)

'The picking window for Merlot is extremely narrow, in three days it can become overripe, but as the vineyard is next to the winery we can truly pick it at the right moment. We put maximum attention to it.' The wine wasn't made in 2011 and 2014. 'It needs to be on the ball.'
Deep, lustrous youthful-looking ruby. Very tight and compact on the nose and very closed on the palate. With aeration, complex depth emerges on the nose but with the ripe fruit still taut. Very slow to unfurl on the palate too. Redcurrant and sour cherry rather than anything that you would normally associate with Merlot. This wine has eclipsed the grape variety. Gorgeous chewy tannins. Cool-climate character. Needs much more bottle age. Patience required. (WS)

Falstaff (94)

Shimmering ruby colour. Enchanting nose of skilfully carved out fruit, bountiful blackberry and wild raspberry. Lining the palate with firm tannin and vibrant fruit. The finish appears a little coarse.