95 Vinous
The 2017 Poggio ai Merli, Castellare's 100% Merlot, is fabulous. Dense and unctuous, but with tons of Chianti Classico energy, the 2017 dazzles with its purity of fruit and phenomenal balance. Inky dark fruit, lavender, spice and chocolate all flesh out in the glass. Unctuous and substantial, the 2017 also has just enough acidity and structure to keep things in balance. It is yet another immensely enjoyable wine in this range from Castellare.
95 James Suckling
This pure merlot shows an impressive nose with a veritable ton of dark cherries, pressed violets, lavender and vanilla and resin. Very full-bodied with overt fruit and loads of ripe tannins, but it remains dialed-in, thanks to refreshing acidity and a sense of structure and purpose. Drink from 2023.
92 Wine Spectator
Black pepper, graphite and a well of deep blackberry fruit flavors announce this concentrated, powerful red. Stays lean and sinewy as the dense, dusty tannins take hold of the finish. Needs time, unless you are grilling a steak or lamb chops tonight. Merlot. Best from 2020 through 2030. 400 cases made, 100 cases imported.
91 Robert Parker
The 2017 Poggio ai Merli (a pure expression of Merlot) is a bit weighed down by the heat of the vintage with a very black and succulent quality of fruit that goes a bit overboard in my opinion. This is an exuberant, oversized expression of the grape with leather, spice and Spanish cedar on the close. The finish is enormous and very soft. I suggest a medium-term drinking window. Only 3,000 bottles were made.
The 2017 Poggio ai Merli, Castellare's 100% Merlot, is fabulous. Dense and unctuous, but with tons of Chianti Classico energy, the 2017 dazzles with its purity of fruit and phenomenal balance. Inky dark fruit, lavender, spice and chocolate all flesh out in the glass. Unctuous and substantial, the 2017 also has just enough acidity and structure to keep things in balance. It is yet another immensely enjoyable wine in this range from Castellare.