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B-21 Top Recommendation
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The Chiantis of Castello di Ama are reference points in any vintage. The Ama, Montebuoni, and San Lorenzo are routinely hailed by critics for their classically styled, precise expressions. In 2023, however, severely reduced yields resulted in the winemaking team blending all three parcels into one bottling of Ama. Normally, this might be a cause for concern, but in the case of the 2023 Ama, it has all come together in a stunning representation of the estate's finest terroirs and a top-tier expression that has already garnered some serious press, led by 95 points from James Suckling. "A refined Chianti Classico with firm, racy tannins that give length and beauty," says Suckling, while Antonio Galloni declares, "Dynamic and vibrant in the glass, with superb character, the 2023 massively overdelivers." The best feature of all is the unbelievable price for a stupendous collectible-caliber bargain that will show off beautifully for a decade or more.
In the reference-point 2021 vintage, the entire range reached new heights of excellence, but it's the San Lorenzo, however, that stands above the rest in unequivocal fashion, with a 99-point score from James Suckling and Wine Spectator Top Ten honors leading a stunning critical line. Blended from the finest lots of fruit from Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo, and Montebuoni estate vineyards, this is apex Sangiovese, with a touch of Merlot and Malvasia Nera adding dimension and depth. The outstanding growing season imparts its own signature on the finished wine, which is, as Wine Spectator describes it, "deep, dark, and densely wrought" with firm structural backbone married to ultra-pure Sangiovese character. Kerin O'Keefe's 97-point review calls it "a gorgeous wine ... Elegant and showing great precision," all features that portend a long life in the cellar despite its thoroughly enjoyable and accessible profile today. Antonio Galloni called Castello di Ama's entire range "truly special" in 2021, and once you experience the San Lorenzo, you'll know exactly what he's talking about.
Finally, don't miss a handful of San Lorenzo magnums from the equally outstanding 2019 vintage, a "delightfully harmonious, balanced, and complete" version that notched 97 points from James Suckling and which is sure to cruise in the cellar in this "ideal collectible format." |
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Perfumed and beautiful with flowers, cherries and raspberries. Forest fruits, too. Full-bodied with extremely fine tannins that run the length of the wine and are wonderfully integrated, spreading across the palate. Lasts for minutes. Better after 2025, but already fantastic.
97 points, James Suckling (Dec 2022)
The 2019 Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is made from a blend of the finest grapes from four historic vineyards, Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo and Montebuoni. It is a Sangiovese-dominant wine with up to 20% of Merlot and Malvasia Nera. This last point is likely to become a bone of contention in the future because in 5 years’ time the Gran Selezione category will exclude non-native varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot even though the Merlot has by now become affected by the 'terroir'; according to winemaker and owner, Marco Pallenti it has become 'a native' over time. In any case this 2019 is a very pretty, bright and joyful wine with plenty of black fruit and spicy red plum flavors. It is delightfully harmonious, balanced, and complete on the palate with a long, savory, saltiness that according to Pallenti, “comes come from the limestone soil.” Although Castello D'Ama are not certified as organic, Pallenti says, “I try to be as much organic as possible. We stopped using insecticide in 2000 and we use sexual confusion methods to deter vineyard pests and reduce sprays.”
97 points, Susan Hulme, Wine Independent (Sep 2022)
The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo draws its fruit from various sites selected throughout the estate, and for that reason, it is often the most representative wine from Castello di Ama (despite its more approachable price). This vintage is especially interesting, showing a more formal quality of tannins for longer aging potential and softly extracted dark fruit that sets it apart. Vintner Marco Pallanti likens 2019 to 2004 or 2016, some of the best vintages in recent memory. The wine is partially aged in new oak, and the percentage of new barrels used depends on the vintage conditions. This edition sees 20% new oak, medium toast and fine grains. The team is working with lower temperatures during fermentation with more numerous pump-overs for the first couple of weeks, then the wine is left alone. Fresh cherry fruit, blackberry, spice and grilled herb emerge. This is a production of 80,000 bottles.
95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Feb 2023)
Sleek and racy, featuring cherry, blackberry, violet and iron aromas and flavors. This red is more about fruit and finesse, though there's an element of wild Mediterranean scrub. Firm, with dense, resonant tannins and a long finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2045. 5,855 cases made, 600 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Sep 2023)
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