1992 Castello di Ama Vigna l'Apparita
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Tasting notes
With intense, rich fruit, the 1992 L’Apparita feels younger than the 1995. It’s brighter, with an intense mocha nose. The oak is present but nicely integrated. Rich and full-bodied, hints of mint and herbs linger on the long finish. In a lovely place, it’s balanced and harmonious, with a long, smoky finish.
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More reviews and scores
This last flight of wines from Ama’s early days is fascinating. The 1992 L’Apparita is a dark, powerful wine, especially for its age. Surprisingly intense, the 1992 has handled its oak beautifully and has also aged very nicely. Although the 1992 is fully mature, it also has enough freshness to hold for at least a few years.
One of the clear rock stars in this lineup, the 1992 L'Apparita is dazzling. Impeccable, refined and elegant, the 1992 Apparita might very well be the single most finessed Tuscan Merlot I have ever tasted. Even today, at 21 years of age, the 1992 is full of bright red fruit. The aromatics remain intensely floral and bright. I can't imagine the 1992 will get too much better than it is right now. The cold growing season nevertheless produced a winner. What a beautiful wine!
A remarkable achievement in the so-so 1992 vintage for Tuscany, Castello di Ama's 1'Apparita, a 100% Merlot that has been barrel-fermented and aged in new barriques, exhibits an opaque purple color, followed by an exceptionally rich, black-cherry-scented nose with licorice, chocolate, and smoky new oak characteristics. Full-bodied yet extravagantly smooth, rich, and luscious, this intense, beautifully made wine is already delicious to drink, although it is still unevolved. Based on how well past vintages have aged, the 1992 should last for 12-15+ years. The first vintage of this luxury-priced Merlot was 1985. In May, 1997, I tasted a bottle of the 1985 from my cellar and found it to be still youthful and impressive. Importer: Vin Divino, Chicago, IL; tel. (773) 334-6700
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.