Taurasi Riserva 'Cinque Querce'

Score

96+

"Darkly alluring, the 2016 Taurasi Cinque Querce Riserva wafts up with notes of sweet tobacco, cedar shavings, espresso bean and dried black cherries. Cool-toned and refined, it sweeps across the palate with silken textures, lifted by fresh acidity as tactile mineral tones add a crunchy sensation. The 2016 folds in upon itself, youthfully tense and tannic yet poised for greatness. Let this sleeping giant rest in the cellar for a good four to five years to integrate fully. Simply stunning."

Score

95

"An intense burst of medicinal cherries and autumnal spice is lifted by minty herbs and a cooling whiff of sweet smoke as the 2015 Taurasi Cinque Querce Riserva evolves in the glass. This is pure elegance, with textures of weighted silk and a sheen of spicy oak lending depth. Fine tannins add grip toward the close. Dark chocolate and hints of kirsch resonate as the 2015 finishes dramatically long and potent, yet also remarkably fresh."

Score

94

"This silky red glides across the palate, with a fine mesh of ripe, juicy crushed boysenberry and black cherry fruit that shows a rich, savory vein of iron, mineral and sanguine notes. This wine's flavors expand, carried by sleek acidity and fine, chalky tannins and backed by hints of red licorice, dried sage, date and cocoa powder that play on the persistent finish. Drink now through 2035. 2,100 cases made, 250 cases imported."

Score

90

"This is very ripe. Molettieri, the maestro of the region. Even this heady wine has escaped the compression of his defter touch. Molten raspberry bon bon, sassafras, thyme, lavender and violet. The tannins are thick grape skin-gritty. A yeoman. Loads of power and immediate satisfaction for those who like Áem OTT, without the savory layers or restraint that usually mark the wines here. A rasp of wood tannins to finish. Drink or hold."

Score

90

"Dark and moody in the glass, the 2014 Taurasi Riserva Cinque Querce wafts up with a bouquet of crushed fall leaves, tobacco and dried black cherry. It is soft and round on the palate with pretty red fruits yet lacking in the usual power and thrust of Cinque Querce. The 2014 leaves a coating of drying tannins offset by sour citrus and minerals hints. It will be interesting to follow the 2014, which will likely open sooner than the average Molettieri Taurasi, but don,t expect it to keep pace with better vintages. I remain conservative."

Score

95

Score

95

Score

95

Score

96

Score

95

Score

94

Score

92

Score

94

Score

91

Score

94

Score

93

Score

92

Score

93