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Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Returns - New Stunning 2022 Vintage
Suckling 98, #14 Wine of the World.
James Suckling 98, #14 of his Top 100 Wines of the World: “Like grand cru Burgundy, in essence.” Plus the last 2021 magnum and every other Castello di Ama in our cellar.
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A Personal Note
Dear Artisans,
The 2021 San Lorenzo Gran Selezione is gone, Wine Spectator’s #9 Wine of 2025 and sold out twice. Its successor has just arrived: the 2022 Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Gran Selezione.
James Suckling gave it 98 points and named it #14 of his Top 100 Wines of the World: “Like grand cru Burgundy, in essence.” Wine Advocate’s Monica Larner, at 95: “This is a memorable vintage of San Lorenzo.”
Four Decades At Ama
Marco Pallanti has made the wines at Castello di Ama since 1982, more than four decades, alongside Lorenza Sebasti. The estate’s Vigneto Bellavista was first bottled in 1978, and L’Apparita, first made in 1985, is Tuscany’s first pure Merlot, as the estate describes it.
San Lorenzo is their Gran Selezione, Chianti Classico’s highest tier since 2013: estate-grown fruit only, at least 30 months of aging, and a tasting panel’s approval. It has made Wine Spectator’s Top 10 twice, the 2010 at #6 in 2014 and the 2021 at #9 in 2025. And per Decanter, Ama will skip the 2023 vintage for its Gran Selezione, so after this 2022 the next one is years away.
The 2022, In Three Lines
Galloni, at 95: “This full-bodied Gran Selezione has a ton to offer.” Decanter, at 94: a wine “full of flavour and vigour yet still brilliantly refined.” Falstaff, at 95: “beautifully juicy, elegant, balanced.”
Galloni on Ama’s 2022 releases: “The results are nothing short of breathtaking.” James Suckling also ranked the San Lorenzo 2022 #6 of his Top 100 Wines of Italy for 2025.
Same Conversation, A Fraction Of The Price
Gran Selezione from a top estate sits in the same critic conversation as Tuscany’s most famous names, at a fraction of the price:
| Tuscan Icon |
Market |
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Masseto 2021 |
about $1,400 |
| Soldera Brunello 2018 |
about $650 |
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Salvioni Brunello |
about $450 |
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Solaia 2021 |
about $425 |
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Sassicaia 2021 |
about $400 |
| Castello di Ama San Lorenzo 2022 |
$67.99 |
That is why sommeliers and collectors have been quietly stacking Gran Selezione in their cellars for years.
The Rest Of The Cellar
Below the 2022 is the last 2021 magnum we have, and then every other Castello di Ama still in our cellar: the ‘Ama’ Chianti Classico, the Montebuoni Riserva, the single-vineyard Bellavista and La Casuccia Gran Selezioni, and L’Apparita.
James Tran
Artisan Wine & Spirits
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Why This Matters
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James Suckling 98. #14 of his Top 100 Wines of the World 2025, plus Falstaff, Vinous and Wine Advocate 95. |
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Chianti Classico’s highest tier. Gran Selezione from the estate Marco Pallanti has run since 1982. Ama skips the 2023, so the next one is years away. |
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$67.99. Elsewhere $90, for Chianti Classico’s highest tier from one of its greatest estates. |
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The last 2021 magnum. Wine Spectator’s #9 Wine of 2025, James Suckling 99. One left. |
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The Eight Wines At A Glance
Every Castello di Ama in our cellar. Every score, every price.
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The New Release · Just Arrived
2022 San Lorenzo. Gran Selezione.
James Suckling 98, #14 of his Top 100: “Like grand cru Burgundy, in essence.”
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Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’ Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2022
Chianti Classico · Tuscany · 750 mL
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98
James Suckling
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95
Falstaff
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95
Vinous
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95
Wine Advocate
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94
Decanter
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Five critics, from 94 to 98. Here are all five reviews, highest score first.
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James Suckling · #14 Top 100 Wines of the World 2025
98 Points
Aromas of al dente fruit, sandalwood, violets and roses follow through to a precise palate of dark cherries. Medium-bodied and subtle, with very fine tannins that are elegant and vivid. Like grand cru Burgundy, in essence. Drink on release or hold. July 2025
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Falstaff
95 Points
Deep, dark ruby red with a drop of violet. … wild berry fruit, elderberry, stony notes, leather. … with good drive and tight tannins, comes back beautifully juicy, elegant, balanced, with a stony finish, should age a little longer. October 2025
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
95 Points
The 2022 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is redolent of black cherry, plum, graphite, leather, incense, licorice and dried flowers. Ample and dense, the 2022 stains the palate with waves of dark fruit intermingled with salivating acids and beams of tannin. This full-bodied Gran Selezione has a ton to offer. I would give it a few years to settle, as it is quite imposing in the early going. (Drink between 2027-2038) July 2025
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Wine Advocate · Monica Larner
95 Points
One of three top-shelf expressions from Castello di Ama, the 2022 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is mostly Sangiovese (up to 80%, with smaller parts Merlot and Malvasia Nera). It represents a selection of the best fruit sourced from across various plots. What stands out here is the excellent ripeness of the fruit, with blackcurrant and cherry. The wine reveals just a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg from the grape skins. It is balanced and level, tucked in at the right places and exuberant in others. You get good freshness and lasting elegance. This is a memorable vintage of San Lorenzo. Drinking Window: 2025-2045. October 2025
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Decanter · Michaela Morris
94 Points
Winemaker Marco Pallanti says there were two choices when vinifying the 2022 – either tread very softly or go all in. He chose the latter route, embracing the intrinsic density while countering it with the concentrated acidity. The result is a wine full of flavour and vigour yet still brilliantly refined. Munificent and beguiling, the nose radiates cinnamon, nutmeg, lavender and lemon balm. Waves of taut, supple tannins are intricately knit with blackberry and raspberry fruit. Unwaveringly piercing, this is a wonderful balancing act with no corners cut. Drinking Window: 2026-2036. February 2026
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| Elsewhere: $90.00 |
| Our Price |
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$67.99 / bottle
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The Last 2021 · One Magnum
2021 San Lorenzo. Magnum.
Wine Spectator’s #9 Wine of 2025, in 1.5 liters. The last one.
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Castello di Ama ‘San Lorenzo’ Gran Selezione 2021 · Magnum
Chianti Classico · Tuscany · 1.5 L
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99
James Suckling
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95
Wine Spectator
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95
Wine Advocate
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95
Decanter
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94
Vinous
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Galloni on the 2021 vintage: “Two thousand twenty-one is the single greatest young vintage I have ever tasted in Chianti Classico. Period. Full stop.” The 750s are gone. This is the last magnum, with all five reviews.
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James Suckling
99 Points
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. August 2024
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Wine Spectator · #9 Top 100 of 2025
95 Points
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. 7,715 cases made, 1,000 cases imported. August 2025
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Wine Advocate · Monica Larner
95 Points
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. July 2024
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Decanter · Michaela Morris
95 Points
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. April 2025
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
94 Points
The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is packed with dark red fruit, licorice, spice, leather and graphite. This is a decidedly potent, backward Gran Selezione. Clean mineral notes extend the finish, presaging a brilliant future. The sculpted style is hugely appealing. Here, too, readers will have to be patient, as the 2021 is very young. July 2024
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| Elsewhere: $250.00 |
| Our Price |
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$199.97 / magnum
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| Limit one per customer |
• The Last One · Limit One |
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The Estate Chianti
2022 ‘Ama’. Chianti Classico.
James Suckling 94: “Tangy and crisp at the end.”
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Castello di Ama ‘Ama’ Chianti Classico 2022
Chianti Classico · Tuscany · 750 mL
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94
James Suckling
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91
Vinous
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91
Decanter
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91
Wine Spectator
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Four critics, from 91 to 94. All four reviews.
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James Suckling
94 Points
The fresh and floral nature of this wine is more than evident, with black cherry and orange undertones. The palate is medium-bodied and refined, with silky tannins and mineral highlights. Tangy and crisp at the end. Drink now.
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Vinous
91 Points
The 2022 Chianti Classico Ama opens with a burst of dark red cherry/plum fruit. Vibrant and generous, with bright acids, the Ama is an absolute delight. Its forward personality and impeccable balance make it a fine choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. 2024 – 2034
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Wine Spectator
91 Points
Cherry, raspberry, leather, earth and tobacco flavors converge in this broad, savory red. … The fruit returns, so give this a little time. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2027 – 2036
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Decanter
91 Points
First produced in 2010, Ama was conceived following the estate’s extensive replanting project. Winemaker Marco Pallanti decided to bottle the younger, more productive vines separately from older plantings – the latter go into the San Lorenzo Gran Selezione. The 2022 is full of youthful vim. Scents of cinnamon, red plum and dark cherry percolate on the nose, and red rose lurks in the background. Medium in weight, it offers a mouthful of cherry pits and gravelly stones inflected with white pepper. Very juicy, peppy acidity joins a light, chalky tannin frame. 2024 – 2029
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| Elsewhere: $42.00 |
| Our Price |
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$34.99 / bottle
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The Riserva
2020 Montebuoni. Riserva.
James Suckling 94: “Ultra-fine tannins and a finesse and focus.”
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Castello di Ama ‘Montebuoni’ Chianti Classico Riserva 2020
Chianti Classico · Tuscany · 750 mL
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94
James Suckling
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92
Vinous
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92
Decanter
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92
Wine Spectator
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Four critics, from 92 to 94. All four reviews.
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James Suckling
94 Points
Very pretty aromas with flowers and perfumes as well as the classic cherry character of sangiovese. Medium body, with ultra-fine tannins and a finesse and focus. Lovely now.
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Vinous
92 Points
The 2020 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni offers a compelling mix of dark Ama fruit intermingled with a good bit of energy. Dark fruit, leather, spice, graphite and dried herbs are nicely delineated. This is an especially savory, … Riserva with a good bit of aromatic intensity and some tannin that needs time to resolve. (Drink between 2025-2035)
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Wine Spectator
92 Points
High-toned and racy, offering blackberry, plum, earth and hints of chocolate and spices. Though light in weight, this red shows fine intensity and a chalky feel on the long finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2038. 400 cases imported.
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Decanter
92 Points
it is a delightful, elegant package that is comfortable in its own unique charms. Pretty perfumes of violet, lavender and orange repeat on the palate, where crunchy acidity underlies cherry skin and raspberry. Hints of smoky wood waft unobtrusively, and soft, plush tannins cleanse the mouth. It finishes with a burst of spiced dark plum.
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| Elsewhere: $60.00 |
| Our Price |
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$44.99 / bottle
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The Single Vineyard · 2016
2016 La Casuccia. Gran Selezione.
Vinous 97: “Unquestionably a great wine in the making.”
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Castello di Ama ‘Vigneto La Casuccia’ Gran Selezione 2016
Chianti Classico · Tuscany · 750 mL
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97
Vinous
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97
Wine Enthusiast
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96
Wine Advocate
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96
Decanter
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95
Wine Spectator
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95
James Suckling
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Six critics, from 95 to 97. All six reviews.
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
97 Points
The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is rich, sensual and inviting, as it so often is. The addition of Merlot to Sangiovese yields a Chianti Classico built on textural resonance, with silky tannins, soft curves and tons of sheer allure. The 2016 won't be ready to drink anytime soon, but it is unquestionably a great wine in the making. Succulent dark cherry, red plum, menthol, licorice, cloves and new oak infuse the creamy, voluptuous finish. July 2019
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Wine Enthusiast · Kerin O’Keefe
97 Points
Mature black-skinned berry, rose, tilled soil and a balsamic whiff of eucalyptus shape the nose. The bright, elegant palate has energy, tension and depth, delivering ripe wild cherry, red plum, licorice and crushed botanical herb. Taut, fine-grained tannins lend polished support while fresh acidity keeps it balanced. A gorgeous wine. Drink through 2031. April 2020
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Wine Advocate · Monica Larner
96 Points
From the small vineyard facing Castello di Ama from the north, the 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto la Casuccia shows a dark and hearty side with rich fruit that flows steadily from the bouquet. Like the other new releases from this iconic estate, this wine shows a pretty earthy note that is particularly well defined and fine-tuned in this vintage. The fruit is broad, thick and horizontal. This is a Sangiovese painted with broad brush strokes. It'll stand another decade or two, or open it sooner with a pappardelle al cinghiale. September 2019
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Decanter · Michaela Morris
96 Points
First released as a single vineyard bottling in 1985, Casuccia was replanted in 2007, introducing terraces to manage the slope and maximise exposure. The vines face northeast to southwest, reaching almost 500 metres above sea level. Beautifully fragrant notes of fennel tea, cherry, black raspberry and tarragon emerge effortlessly, while dark, round, velvety fruit is enveloped in silky tannins on the palate. Yet there's a sneaky firmness and brightening acidity here, along with succulent minerality. While it might not be as long-lived as Bellavista, it will offer enormous drinking pleasure throughout its lifespan. February 2019
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Wine Spectator · Bruce Sanderson
95 Points
This aromatic Chianti Classico features violet, black cherry, leather, earth and spice flavors. A laser of bracing acidity and muscular tannins runs underneath. The balance tips toward the tannins today, but put this in your cellar for another few years. Sleek and very long. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2023 through 2042. 315 cases made, 40 cases imported. September 2020
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James Suckling
95 Points
A dense and layered red with spice and berry character. Medium to full body. Blueberry, wet-earth and walnut undertones. Iodine. Shows structure and intensity. Drink in 2020 and onwards. November 2019
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| Elsewhere: $250.00 |
| Our Price |
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$199.97 / bottle
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The Single Vineyard · Bellavista
2018 Bellavista. Gran Selezione.
Vinous 98: “A powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy.”
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Castello di Ama ‘Vigneto Bellavista’ Gran Selezione 2018
Chianti Classico · Tuscany · 750 mL
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98
Vinous
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97
James Suckling
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96
Wine Advocate
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94
Wine Spectator
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93
Wine Enthusiast
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Five critics, from 93 to 98. All five reviews.
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
98 Points
The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth. September 2021
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James Suckling
97 Points
This is a very deep and serious Chianti Classico with bark, dark-mushroom and blackberry aromas that follow through to a full body with very polished and integrated tannins that are long and classy. A sophisticated and glorious wine. Drink in 2024 and onwards, but already very pretty. July 2021
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Wine Advocate · Monica Larner
96 Points
The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista comes roaring out the gate with intensity and power, … This is a generous and exuberant wine with dark fruit, pressed blackberry, plenty of spice and great overall dimension. February 2023
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Wine Spectator · Bruce Sanderson
94 Points
A rich, intense red, displaying black cherry, blackberry, menthol, iron and graphite flavors, this is polished and expressive, yet with beefy tannins lining the chalky finish. All the components are there—this just needs time. Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera. Best from 2024 through 2040. 544 cases made, 100 cases imported. September 2022
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Wine Enthusiast · #26 Top Cellar Selection of 2022
93 Points
Camphor, dark spice, blue flower and a whiff of forest floor shape the alluring nose on this delicious red. Elegantly structured and all about finesse and flavor, the savory, focused palate delivers juicy Marasca cherry, orange zest, licorice and cassis alongside taut, ultrarefined tannins. Made with 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, it's beautifully balanced, with bright acidity. Drink 2025.
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| Elsewhere: $315.00 |
| Our Price |
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$279.97 / bottle
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The Single Vineyard · La Casuccia
2018 La Casuccia. Gran Selezione.
Vinous 97: “A heady, opulent wine.”
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Castello di Ama ‘Vigneto La Casuccia’ Gran Selezione 2018
Chianti Classico · Tuscany · 750 mL
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97
Vinous
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95
James Suckling
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95
Wine Advocate
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95
Wine Spectator
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94
Wine Enthusiast
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Five critics, from 94 to 97. All five reviews.
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Vinous · Antonio Galloni
97 Points
The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is fabulous. A heady, opulent wine, the 2018 possesses tremendous energy to match its explosive personality. The plush fruit and soft, silky curves are pure Casuccia. The 2018 needs at least a handful of years in bottle, as it is a wine that only truly blossoms with time. September 2021
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James Suckling
95 Points
A very polished and refined bottle with creamy, velvety tannins that are poised and fine. Medium-bodied with a lovely center palate and a flavorful finish. July 2021
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Wine Advocate · Monica Larner
95 Points
offers ample volume and fruit weight, … The 2018 vintage tends to deliver all of its brooding intensity up front, leaving you with plenty of black fruit, spice and tobacco to fuel a long finish. … this beautiful wine should not go overlooked February 2023
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Wine Spectator · Bruce Sanderson
95 Points
This is packed with succulent blackberry, black cherry, plum, tar, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors, aligned with a base of burly tannins. Fresh and vigorous, with a lingering aftertaste of fruit, mineral and wild herbs. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2040. 538 cases made, 100 cases imported. September 2022
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Wine Enthusiast
94 Points
All about elegance, this fragrant red opens with aromas of cedar, dark spice, coffee bean and blue flower. Linear and polished, the palate … featuring juicy black cherry, cassis and licorice framed in fine-grained tannins.
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| Elsewhere: $315.00 |
| Our Price |
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$279.97 / bottle
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The Merlot · L’Apparita
2019 L’Apparita. Toscana.
Wine Advocate 98: “One of the stars of Italian enology.”
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Castello di Ama ‘L’Apparita’ 2019
Toscana · Tuscany · 750 mL
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98+
Vinous
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98
Wine Advocate
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97
James Suckling
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95
Wine Spectator
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Four critics, from 95 to 98+. All four reviews.
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Wine Advocate · Monica Larner
98 Points
One of the stars of Italian enology, this iconic wine is Merlot in name but Tuscan in spirit. The L'Apparita is a gorgeous wine and one that brings an enormous sense of excitement and energy to those who drink it. Its texture is soft and rich, yet the tannins are gentle and round. There is plenty of substance and structure here, however, with seamless layers of black fruit, cherry, sweet spice and tobacco. The wine's complexity is enhanced by elegant mineral tones and a subtle, menthol-like signature. Temperature control and careful pump-overs are executed, and great care is taken during harvest to avoid any overripe berries. Cool, calcareous soils with many stones serve to insulate the roots and lock in freshness. The secret of this wine is magic of site, exposure and geology. This is another collectors' edition of L'Apparita. Drink 2025-2046.
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Vinous
98+ Points
The 2019 L'Apparita is incredibly powerful in this vintage. Huge searing tannins wrap around a core of dark-fleshed fruit. Incense, tobacco, chocolate, mocha, lavender and spice open, but only reluctantly. Whereas most 2019s in the Ama range are quite inviting at this stage, L'Apparita is a wine for the cellar. In other words, the 2019 is a tight, backward Apparita that demands patience. (Drink between 2027-2044)
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James Suckling
97 Points
Enticing aromas of blackberries and violets with some fresh black olives. Fresh violets as well. Full-bodied and very rich and layered with velvety tannins and a long, long finish. Lingering flavors of dark chocolate in the finish. Powerful merlot here. Drink after 2026.
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Wine Spectator
95 Points
A red of great depth, with a rich, fleshy profile and black cherry, plum, mineral and spice flavors yielding to a firm, racy structure. Shows enticing fruit wed to dense tannins, which should absorb well with time. Classy. Merlot. Best from 2025 through 2042. 690 cases made, 50 cases imported.
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| Elsewhere: $350.00 |
| Our Price |
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$324.99 / bottle
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The Bottom Line
The 2021 sold out twice. The 2022 is here.
The 2022 Castello di Ama San Lorenzo Gran Selezione at $67.99 (Elsewhere $90.00): James Suckling 98, #14 of his Top 100 Wines of the World, with Falstaff, Vinous and Wine Advocate at 95.
And for the cellar: the last 2021 magnum at $199.97, and the single vineyards and L’Apparita while they last.
Ciao!
— James Tran
Artisan Wine & Spirits
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$67.99 · Suckling 98
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$199.97 · Suckling 99
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$34.99 · Suckling 94
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$44.99 · Suckling 94
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$199.97 · Vinous 97
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$279.97 · Vinous 98
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$279.97 · Vinous 97
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$324.99 · Vinous 98+
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