Querciabella’s 2004 Palafreno (Merlot) is a surprisingly rustic wine for an estate whose house style tends towards polished, elegant wines. Made in a powerful, full-bodied style, it shows notes of earthiness, leather, game and dark cherries. There is plenty of fruit here, but the tannins are coarse and rough around the edges, something that is very uncharacteristic of this great Tuscan vintage. Ultimately the wine’s balance is not convincing and bottle age is unlikely to help to any significant degree. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2018. Querciabella occupies a stupendous position in the hills of Greve. With one notable exception, this is another set of strong releases from an estate that in recent years has made some of the most beautiful wines in its history.Importer: Maison Marques & Domaines, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 587-2000