97 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2016 Poggio ai Merli is gorgeous. That's the short and the long of it. Merlot shows some of its best performances ever in Tuscany in the 2016 vintage. This wine is exceedingly smooth and silky, yet its tightly knit fiber supports a generous profile that ranges from dark cherry to spice, to tobacco and fresh potting soil. On the palate, the wine is rich and large in scope, yet it never leaves behind any residual heaviness. Castellare di Castellina has created a true beauty (with only 4,000 precious bottles made). (ML) 97+ (10/2018)

95 points James Suckling

This shows really pure aromas in the essence-like zone such as soaked blueberries and blackberry crumble. More floral elements of pressed violets and lavender follow. Hints of vanilla, too. Full body, very polished tannins, loads of blue fruit and a long, intense finish. Very well done indeed. Pure merlot. (07/2018)