The estate's 2004 Camartina is another irresistibly sexy wine. A deeply-colored ruby, it displays captivating aromatics along with notes of blackberries, blueberries, violets and graphite that emerge on its medium-bodied frame. The fine tannins make it a highly enjoyable wine even at this early stage, but my experience suggests that another few years of bottle age are needed for the wine to integrate its oak and express its full range of aromas and flavors. It is a terrific effort from Querciabella. This blend of 30% Sangiovese and 70% Cabernet is aged in 100% French oak (Allier, Nevers and Tron?ais) of which 80% was new. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

Mostly Cabernet with 305 Sangiovese, Camartina is a thick, solid, streamlined wine that shows the highest level of winemaking expertise. Sweet cherry, bramble, espresso, plum, blackberry peel off layer after layer. The wine boasts chewy tannins and a bold mouthfeel. Drink after 2012.——M.L.(4/1/2008)—— 94