2007 Chianti Classico Bellavista Gran Selezione

The 2007 Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista is a knock out. Rose petals, flowers, all sorts of red berries and mint are some of the nuances that emerge from the 2007. Striking inner perfume, ripe tannins and phenomenal overall balance are the calling cards. Today the 2007 comes across as a modern-day version of the 1990 or, to use a more contemporary comparison, the 2004, but with more weight and also greater sweetness in the tannin. Either way, it is flat-out stunning and a must-have. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2037. This vertical of Castello di Ama’s flagship Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista was one of the more remarkable tastings I have ever had the privilege of participating in. From his very first vintage, 1982, Marco Pallanti was clearly onto something big. Readers still lucky enough to own that wine are in for a real treat. The single-vineyard Bellavista is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, a combination of indigenous grapes that works beautifully. The early vintages included a dollop of Canaiolo that was planted in the vineyard up until 1988, when it was ripped out in favor of the Merlot that would go on to produce L’Apparita. I also tasted the 2011 Bellavista in barrel, the first since 2007, and a year that it resembles from a stylistic standpoint. Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Bellavista Key Points: 1. 80% Sangiovese/20% Malvasia Nera aged in French oak barrels 2. Made from Ama’s Bellavista vineyard, a high-altitude plot in Castellina 3. A powerful, intense Chianti Classico 4. Aging potential: 20-30 years

Ama's 2007 Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista is darker, richer and firmer than the Casuccia, much of which comes from the addition of 20% Malvasia Nera to the Sangiovese. A firm tannic spine frames wild cherries, smoke, licorice, menthol, tobacco and grilled herbs in a virile, potent Chianti Classico. If the tannins soften, the Bellavista might very well merit a higher score, but today it lacks the sheer appeal and sexiness of the Casuccia. Readers who prefer dark, brooding wines (think Serralunga for Barolo) might very well prefer the Bellavista, personally it is splitting hairs at this level.