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. Dark ruby-red. The nose is fruity with strawberry notes, red cherries, orange zest and liquorice. Terciary hints of leather. A silky, supple-texted wine, succulent and juicy. Ripe red fruit persists on the palate, complemented by firm yet delicate tannins. A lively finish with dark red fruit, wet ground and wood.

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. 2025 – 2040 Lorenza Sebasti and Marco Pallanti presented a stellar set of new releases. Ama bottled all of their flagship wines in 2020, but readers should be aware these are some of the most reticent wines of the year. Patience is essential. That should not be much of an issue, as the Ama flagships all boast super track records when it comes to aging. In recent years, the wines have acquired an extra touch of finesse that is palpable.

95 Points - Vinous - Antonio Galloni, August, 2023