2015 Chianti Classico San Lorenzo Gran Selezione
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Tasting notes
The 2015 San Lorenzo is effortlessly smooth – with everything seamlessly in balance. The lush and juicy cherries are complemented by spicy perfume, with white pepper notes dancing alongside the fruit. The core of this wine is still tightly packed – showing the potential for evolution here. Acidity drives the long, mouth-watering finish, which offers a twist of smoky, savoury tones. 13.5% alcohol.
A relatively new classification, Gran Selezione represents “the proverbial point of the diamond in the Chianti Classico quality pyramid” according to the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner. Aged for at least 30 months before release, these wines are designed to be the best of the best; the most complex and age worthy expressions of the appellation. Renowned for its commitment to quality, this winery has been a leading light in the renaissance of the Chianti Classico region and should be firmly on everyone’s fine wine radar. While situated on one of the finest hills in the Chianti Classico region, Castello di Ama has only been making wine at the property since 1972. However, in that time, it has risen to the very upper echelons of Chianti production. In 2003, winemaker Marco Pallanti was named “Winemaker of the Year” in Italy’s most authoritative wine guide, Gambero Rosso. Under Pallanti’s guidance, Castello di Ama was awarded “Winery of the Year” in 2005. This estate is a must-have for anyone seeking out the finest wines made in Italy. Castello di Ama's San Lorenzo vineyards are some of the highest in Chianti. The calcareous soil gives the wines a distinct minerality which complements their finesse, freshness, delineation of fruit and beguiling aromas. These wines also show great ageing potential, making them the perfect addition to any fine wine collection.
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo represents a blend of some of the estate's best Sangiovese from vines that are 20 years old and more. You do feel that extra density, intensity and complexity within the very fiber of this beautiful wine. The effect is deep and layered. Castello di Ama is characterized by limestone clay soils mixed with both galestro and alberese marl stones. There is about 60 centimeters of topsoil and compacted clay below that.
What first strikes you about the nose is that it offers one of the purest fruit expressions of all the 2015 Gran Seleziones. Blackcurrants, orange and lemon rind, brambleberries, heather, sage, thyme and blackberry leaves are all a feature. The tannins are steely, and the flavors are so savory. The fruit is carried through to the long, chewy finish by the highly refreshing acidity. Drink in 2020.
With a calcareous soil rich in shale, this vineyard is just over 19ha. The Gran Selezione is produced from the oldest vines, and the different grape varieties are blended after malolactic fermentation and aged together in barriques, of which 18% are new. It's very fresh and primary, with intriguing nuances of sous bois and blackberry with wood spice underneath. It could use a bit more time in the bottle before drinking, and has plenty of structure and stuffing for a decade or more in the cellar.
About the producer
Castello di Ama is one of the pre-eminent estates in Chianti Classico. Situated in the southern-most district of the appellation, the estate has only been making wine since the late 1970s but has since built a reputation as one of the region’s best.