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.
95 Points, 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.
Castello di Ama stands as a beacon of excellence in Chianti Classico, a winery that has meticulously cultivated an incredible reputation since its founding in 1972 by a visionary group of four families. Nestled in a picturesque medieval hamlet in Gaiole in Chianti, the estate is revered not just for its stunning wines but also for its seamless integration of contemporary art within its historic landscape – a unique testament to the founders’ passion.
Their dedication to quality is evident in every bottle, from their esteemed Chianti Classico Gran Selezione wines like San Lorenzo, Bellavista, and La Casuccia, to their groundbreaking L’Apparita, Tuscany’s first pure Merlot, which has achieved legendary status and even a perfect 100-point score for its 2016 vintage.
Castello di Ama meticulously farms its high-altitude vineyards, characterized by classic galestro and alberese soils, emphasizing low yields and sustainable practices to ensure an authentic and intense expression of Sangiovese and other varieties. Their wines are consistently praised by critics for their elegance, complexity, and remarkable aging potential, solidifying Castello di Ama’s place not just as a leader in Chianti Classico, but among the finest wineries in the world.