Castello di Ama 'San Lorenzo' Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2020
(Tuscany, Italy) - [VM 95] [JS 95] [WS 94] [WA 94] [DM 93]
Regular price $90.00 Sale price $64.97 Save $25.03
About the Winery:
Ama is an old, fortified village situated near Radda and Gaiole in the heart of the Chianti Classico region. The Castello or Castle of Ama is surrounded by the beautiful Tuscan countryside and sits 12 miles northeast of Siena in the hills of Gaiole. This is the heart of Chianti Classico, a bucolic rolling landscape of woods, vineyards and olive groves. The property is owned and operated by the husband and wife team of Marco Pallanti and Lorenza Sebasti. Over the last quarter century they have replanted all of the vineyards and upgraded all of the winemaking capabilities to make this one of Tuscany's showcase producers. The vineyards are divided into five important parcels; San Lorenzo, Bellavista, La Casuccia, Bertinga and Montebuoni.
About this Wine:
Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is named after the picturesque San Lorenzo valley
viewed from the estate’s eighteenth-century Villa Pianigiani and Villa Ricucci.
This wine is produced from the finest grapes grown in the historic vineyards
Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo and Montebuoni.
An expression of Sangiovese blended with the smallest quantities of Merlot and Malvasia Nera, the hallmarks of this complex wine are finesse, elegance, intensity, length and freshness.
Castello di Ama San Lorenzo has a remarkable ability to evolve, developing aromatic complexity and exemplary intensity over time.
80% Sangiovese, 13% Merlot, 7% Malvasia Nera
Ratings & Reviews
95 Points - James Suckling:
"Aromas of black cherries with flowers and sliced dried oranges. Medium-bodied with very tight tannins and a firm and racy finish. Shows polish yet strength. Give this at least four or five years to open." (6/23)
95 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is fabulous. It offers up a compelling mix of blackberry, graphite, crushed rocks, spice, lavender and black pepper, showing striking inner sweetness, gorgeous mid-palate pliancy and mid-blowing balance, all in a medium-bodied style that will be approachable with minimal cellaring. San Lorenzo remains an archetype for contemporary Chianti Classico. Production is down about 30% in 2020 because of stringent selection. (Drink between 2025-2040)" – Antonio Galloni (8/23)
94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A ripe style, boasting plum, blackberry and pomegranate flavors, shaded by iron, wild herbs and spice accents. Linear, despite the luscious fruit, with a firm underpinning of tannins lining the extended finish. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2026 through 2043. 500 cases imported." – Bruce Sanderson (11/23)
94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Made with a selection of the best estate Sangiovese (with a hint of Merlot and Malvasia Nera) from across various parcels, the Castello di Ama 2020 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is chiseled and dark with a through-line of dark mineral and crushed rock. That dry mineral note forms a precise frame around dark fruit and oak spice. The wine has drying tannins and a long, polished finish. 2024-2038." – Monica Larner (5/23)
93 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Produced since 2010, San Lorenzo is Ama’s big brother, crafted from older, less vigorous vines throughout the estate’s historic vineyards. Its role is to give a panoramic expression of the vintage at this high altitude property in Gaiole. A fragrant mix of dusty Mediterranean vegetation ranges from tarragon and fennel to camomile and lavender. Accents of spicy oak seep through to the palate, where plush plum flecked with cocoa melds into supple, velvety tannins. The acidity has a citrussy ring, and sneaky, salty minerals lend an additional tang. This midweight beauty is gracious and engaging now. 2024-2032." – Michaela Morris (2/24)