2009 Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico

2009 Castello Di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva 13.5% ABV  $33

This producer is one that provides "next level" Chianti perennially. The immediate first impression on the nose

is of depth, darkness, and complexity. The beautiful rich dark fruit, black cherry and blackberry, has a pleasant hard edge that suggests seriousness. Overlying the fruit is cedar, dried violets, charred sandalwood, faint vanilla bean, and subtle spice cake aromas. The palate is mid weight and mildly chewy. With the dark fruit leading the way again, the palate shows lean black cherry, dried flowers, and subtle grilled meat. Very firm and structured, but still quite approachable because of the fine fruit component. There is a long savory finish, with minerality and fine grained grip. Big and balanced, this will certainly reward cellaring. 92 Pts

Check out Levi Dalton's interview with Castello Di Ama director Marco Pallanti, on the I'll Drink to That! podcsast.