2007 Castello di Ama Vigna l'Apparita

The 2007 L'Apparita is a bit richer and deeper than the 2009, but it never loses its essential personality. Hints of tertiary complexity are just beginning to develop now that the 2007 has been in bottle for a few years, but the wine is in an in between stage where it is neither young nor mature. Tobacco, wild flowers and menthol are some of the many nuances that emerge over time, but today the 2007 isn't quite ready to show all of its cards. Personally, I would wait a few years more. This is a stunning Apparita from Castello di Ama. Even though 2007 is regarded as warm vintage, this fruit did not come in until September 17, slightly late by Ama's historical standards.

The 2007 L'Apparita (Merlot) is another outstanding wine, but it is the least interesting of the estate's high-end 2007s. The warm growing season doesn't appear to have been as kind to the Merlot as it was to the other grapes grown on the property. Super ripe dark fruit, sweet French oak and chocolate emerge from this supple, round Apparita, with just enough minerality on the finish to provide a measure of balance. The wine's persistence and length are first rate but a slight overripe quality lingers. The Merlot grown in these high-altitude vineyards has a way of developing immense nobility with bottle age, so it will be fascinating to see what happens here.

The 2007 L’Apparita (Merlot) is another outstanding wine, but it is the least interesting of the estate’s high-end 2007s. The warm growing season doesn’t appear to have been as kind to the Merlot as it was to the other grapes grown on the property. Super ripe dark fruit, sweet French oak and chocolate emerge from this supple, round Apparita, with just enough minerality on the finish to provide a measure of balance. The wine’s persistence and length are first rate but a slight overripe quality lingers. The Merlot grown in these high-altitude vineyards has a way of developing immense nobility with bottle age, so it will be fascinating to see what happens here. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027. Castello di Ama remains a reference-point producer in Tuscany. My visit to the property last year culminated with the stunning 1988 Apparita, still in great shape after all these years. The house style seeks a rich, bold expression of fruit that requires significant bottle aging to reach its apogee, even if the wines can be very showy when young. Make no mistake about it, these are some the most pedigreed wines being made anywhere. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461