2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni
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Tasting notes
This is a new wine with the inaugural 2018 vintage introduced last year. The Castello di Ama 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni draws its fruit from a vineyard site that sits parallel to Vigneto Bellavista about one kilometer over and enjoys similar exposures. The estate felt that it needed to fill a gap in the portfolio between the entry-level wines and the top-shelf Gran Selezioni. That's where the Riserva Montebuoni comes in. This 15-hectare site was purchased by Marco Pallanti in 1997, and a lot of work went into moving earth and preparing the poor, clay-based terrain for planting. These results show beautifully concentrated fruit over a medium to full-bodied approach with lingering smoke, blackberry and sweet tobacco.
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Very subtle aromas of dark berries, licorice and violets. Really floral and bright. Medium-bodied with very fine tannins that integrate beautifully into the wine. Such a lovely and sophisticated mouth-feel to this. Drinkable already, but better in two or three years.
The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a dark, sensual wine. Black cherry, plum, spice, licorice and dried herbs all take shape in a virile, layered Riserva that is a terrific bridge into the Gran Seleziones in the range. I would give this a few years in bottle.
Gaiole in Chianti. 95% Sangiovese, 5% Merlot. Lustrous crimson. A finely perfumed, concentrated nose of red fruit with a flattering oak hint. Elegant sappy cherry fruit with soft gripping tannins. Closes up and needs more time to come around fully. (WS)
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.