Castello di Ama 'San Lorenzo' Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2021
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 99] [WS 95, #9 Top 100 of '25] [WA 95] [DM 95] [VM 94]
Regular price $90.00 Sale price $64.97 Save $25.03
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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
99 Points - James Suckling:
"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." (Aug 2024)
95 Points & #9 Top 100 of 2025 - Wine Spectator:
"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." – Bruce Sanderson (Aug 2025)
95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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." – Monica Larner (Jul 2024)
95 Points - Decanter Mazgine:
"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." – Michaela Morris (Apr 2025)
94 Points - Vinous Media:
"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." – Antonio Galloni (Jul 2024)