The estate's 2006 Camartina (70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Sangiovese) is awesome in the way it marries considerable ripeness with a firm, classic sense of structure. Black cherries, minerals, menthol, tar and subtle French oak are some of the nuances that emerge from the 2006 Camartina. This is a decidedly big, powerful Camartina that will require some patience, but all of the ingredients are there for this to be one of the finest versions of this wine ever made. I remember visiting Querciabella in late 2006. At the time estate manager Cesare Turini and Oenologist Guido De Santi were thrilled with the quality of their harvest, which had been saved by a spell of cool weather towards the end of the growing season. Tasting the Camartina it is easy to see why; this wine has it all. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000

9 This luscious blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese shows bright cherry and blueberry characteristics backed by smooth richness and velvety texture. The wine is soft, dense and delicious overall. It presents a beautiful portrait of Tuscan wine. ——M.L.(10/1/2011)—— 94