2009 Chianti Classico Riserva
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Tasting notes
Picked 29 September to 12 October and aged in 20% new oak barrels for 12 months. Sweet and fresh. Lots of vigour but less readable and a bit heavier than the two previous vintages. Lots of acidity and tannin but for the moment a slight lack of fruit concentration on the mid palate. Seems a bit jagged and dusty rather than eloquent. Edgy, with a bit of heat and slight bitterness on the end. Difficult to suggest ideal drinking dates. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Dark red berries, underbrush, tobacco, dried flowers all take shape in the 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva. Deep, rich and fleshy, the 2009 captures the sense of this radiant, expressive vintage. In 2009, Ama did not produce their top two selections, all of the best fruit went into this bottling. The 2009 is distinctly dark, imposing and very tightly wound at this stage. It can be enjoyed today with some air, but is ideally best left alone for a few years.
The gorgeous 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva presents a classic aromatic profile that is deeply rooted in Tuscan territory. Autumn leave, wet earth, wild mushroom and blue flower speak so eloquently through the bouquet. Polished tannins add a silky and pristine quality to the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2025. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461
The 2009 Chianti Classico Riserva Castello di Ama is striking. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint, licorice and spices caress the palate in this fleshy, generous Chianti Classico. The radiance of the fruit is suggestive of a warm year, but the tannic profile, medium body and overall structure is more similar to that of a colder vintage. In 2009 Ama did not bottle their single vineyard selections; all of the best fruit went into the Castello di Ama bottling.
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.