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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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This is really perfumed and gorgeous, with black cherries, blackcurrants and violets. Full-bodied with totally integrated tannins and a palate presence that is pretty spectacular. Wonderful finish. Give this three or four years. Try after 2027.
99 points, James Suckling (Aug 2024)
A blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and a small percentage of Malvasia Nera, the 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is a gorgeous wine, starting with its aromas dark culinary spice, underbrush, rose and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus. Elegant and showing great precision, the palate offers layers of Marasca cherry, licorice, cake spice and orange zest before a minty finish. Firm, refined tannins and fresh acidity keep it well balanced and provide youthful tension.
97 points, Kerin O'Keefe (Aug 2025)
Deep, dark and densely wrought, featuring black cherry, blackberry, violet, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. The sinewy tannins are enhanced by the vivid acidity, and everything comes together on the crystalline aftertaste, which echoes the fruit and floral elements. Power meets finesse. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2028 through 2050. 1,000 cases imported.
95 points, Bruce Sanderson, Wine Spectator (Aug 2025)
#9 - Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
This wine represents a selection of the best Sangiovese sourced from various plots with a tiny addition of Merlot and Malvasia Nera. The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo takes a few extra moments to open in the glass, but unlike the La Casuccia that holds back, this wine comes into full view quickly enough. The wine's flavor profile is a little meatier and fuller, and this could be linked to the warm vintage conditions. San Lorenzo is a generous wine, and it is a bottle you can enjoy in the medium or long term.
95 points, Monica Larner, Wine Advocate (Jul 2024)
A clever bridge between the entire Castello di Ama stable, San Lorenzo is a selection of older vines from key estate vineyards. It also includes both Merlot and Malvasia Nera, which contribute to the identity of the cru bottlings. In 2021, this flagbearer is a brilliant balance of fruit and territorial expression with deftly integrated oak. Tobacco, iron and nutmeg infuse dark plum and cherry. There is great flow and length, with tangy, mouth-cleansing acidity. Articulate aromas and flavours along with finessed tannins give a sense of readiness – but that authoritative structure has the last word.
95 points, Michaela Morris, Decanter (Apr 2025)
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