A most welcome and recent invitation brought me back to Castello di Ama in Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany
This chance to taste and review the latest offerings and some older vintages was a joyful experience for me. This winery produces annually some of the finest Sangiovese expressions in Chianti Classico.
Famed for its blended and varietal wines, the all round excellence of this tasting was apparent from the first glass.
I thank my host Niccolò Panerai, whom represented Castello di Ama on this day.
Tasting Notes
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo 2018
Bright ruby red in colour, with black undertones.
Black cherry, black fruits, liquorice, Eastern spice. It has added weight since I last tasted in November 2020. Superb intensity. Polished. Very persistent finish.
Points 96 TW
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casaccia 2018
Deep ruby red in colour. A seductive bouquet of warm soft fruits woven together with ultra fine tannins and clean fresh acidity. Racy character. Textural richness beyond its years.
Points 97 TW
Castello di Ama Pinot Nero Il Chiuso 2019
Pale garnet in colour. Soft rounded entry. A mixture of red and black fruits of the forest. Faint blush rose aromatics. Spice notes. Medium bodied. Lengthy finish.
Points 92 TW
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Ama 2020
Ruby red in colour. Black cherry, blackberries. Fine tannins balanced with clean acidity. Generous from the off. Fresh. Savoury. Bottled only three months prior to this tasting, so a little tight, but shows signs of promise.
Points 92-94 TW
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista 2011
Medium ruby red in colour. Cherry , plum, blackberry, earthy notes, cedar. Great balance. Complex. Juicy long finish.
Points 96 TW
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista 2018
Deep ruby red in colour. Red cherry. Warm red berries, dry leather, dried earth. Graceful. Agile. Has energy of a nuclear power station. Coming off mid palate showing faint liquorice and white smoke. Linear finish.
Points 98+ TW
Castello di Ama L’Apparita 2006
Deep ruby red in colour. Black plum, blackberry, faint black cherry, Kirsch, burnt orange peel, white smoke, tobacco, leather and flinty notes. Still showing generous acidity. Needs to be enjoyed now.
Points 94 TW
Castello di Ama L’Apparita 2019
Almost black in colour. Announces itself with all pomp and ceremony. Blackberry cassis. Menthol nuances. Spiciness coupled with minerality floating on a balanced structure of integrated tannins and acidity. A black hole of textural depth. Utterly compelling.
The 2018 vintage was stunning but this is on another level!
Points 99-100 TW
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Vino Santo 2015
Golden yellow in colour. Orange oil, apricot, almond and fig. Fresh. Not cloying in anyway.
Points 92 TW