Castello di Ama 'San Lorenzo' Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2022
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 98, #14 Top 100 of 2025] [FS 95] [VM 95] [WA 95] [DM 94]
Regular price $90.00 Sale price $67.99 Save $22.01
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
98 Points & Rank #14, James Suckling Top 100 Wines of the World 2025 - James Suckling:
"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." (Jul 2025)
95 Points - Falstaff:
"Deep, dark ruby red with a drop of violet. Initially slightly volatile on the nose, wild berry fruit, elderberry, stony notes, leather. Sparse feel on the palate, with good drive and tight tannins, comes back beautifully juicy, elegant, balanced, with a stony finish, should age a little longer." (Oct 2025)
95 Points - Vinous Media:
"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)" -Antonio Galloni (Jul 2025)
95 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"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." -Monica Larner (Oct 2025)
94 Points - Decanter:
"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." -Michaela Morris (Feb 2026)