Wine Advocate (95)

The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is immediately more inky and balsamic in terms of aromas. As soon as you lift the wine to your nose, you get pretty tones of blackberry, cassis, rosemary essence, licorice and a touch of medicinal herb. I love when Sangiovese produces those elegant aromas, and for that reason, this wine stands tall among the three single-vineyard expressions from Marco Pallanti and Castello di Ama. It shows fiber, richness and lasting structure with a very well-managed quality of tannins.

James Suckling (96)

A tight, polished red with a very beautiful texture of firm, polished yet integrated tannins. Full-bodied with plenty of subtle dark-berry and chocolate character. Hints of walnuts, too. Flavorful finish. A little tight at the end, but already really delicious. Serious young Gran Selezione. Drink or hold.

Wine Spectator (95)

A complex bouquet of smoky cherry, plum, iron, leather and spice is enticing, while the supple texture is laden with fading fruit, spice, sanguine and tobacco flavors. Lively and long, it firms up on the finish, where the fruit and savory elements converge. Drink now through 2033.

Wine Advocate (98)

The 2016 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista sees fruit sourced from one of Castello di Ama's most beautiful vineyards with a wide exposures and plenty of sunshine. This wine shows profound complexity and a far-reaching bouquet that evolves slowly in the glass. Of these three single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines (Bellavista, La Casuccia and San Lorenzo), the Vigneto Bellavista is the most complete, but it is also the most linear and streamlined in terms of mouthfeel. I would bet on putting this wine aside in your cellar for a longer aging time.

Vinous (98)

The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista marries Sangiovese and Malvasia Nera, a combination that works so well. The Bellavista is a powerful, vertical wine endowed with explosive and tremendous energy. Like all the top wines, it needs the better part of a decade to show all it's got. Gravel, smoke, leather, licorice and scorched earth.

Vinous (97+)

The 2019 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista soars out of the glass with breathtaking intensity in all of its dimensions. The aromatics alone are striking, but that's just the beginning. Rich and sumptuous on the palate, the 2019 is the most refined Bellavista I have ever tasted, and I have tasted them all. A healthy dollop of Malvasia Nera adds savory notes and a good deal of grip, while clean mineral nuances extend the finish. The tannins are especially polished, which they rarely are in a young Bellavista.

Vinous (95+)

The 2015 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is a powerful, explosive wine. Almost unnaturally so. In most vintages, the Casuccia is a sensual, racy wine. Not in 2015. Readers will have to be especially patient. Time in the glass brings out the wine's more floral side and a range of red-toned fruit.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98)

Ama's 2015 L'Apparita is shaping up to be phenomenal. That is the good news. But readers are going to have to give the 2015 at least another 8-10 years before the wine starts to drink well, as today, the flavors are remarkably primary. That is hardly a surprise given how this Tuscan thoroughbred ages. A rush of blackberry jam, spice, menthol, and graphite build into a crescendo of aromas, flavors and textures. Over the years, I have had the chance to take virtually every vintage of L'Apparita. There is little doubt the 2015 will soon take its place as one of the epic editions.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2016 L'Apparita, 100% Merlot, is a breathtaking, riveting wine that captures all the potential of the vintage. In this vintage, L'Apparita is especially silky and refined. Layered, perfumed and wonderfully nuanced, L'Apparita is simply epic. Lavender, mint, sage, spice, new leather and cloves develop with time, but more than anything else, L'Apparita is wonderfully complete and magnificently beautiful.

James Suckling (97)

Intense and exotic on the nose with blackberry, blueberry, violet and walnut aromas that follow through to a full body with layers of ripe tannins and a beautiful finish of polished and well poised fruit. It goes on and on. I am impressed by the freshness here, as well as the intensity for the vintage. Drink in 2023 and onwards, but a joy to taste now.

Wine Advocate (99)

This wine has earned its spot in a world of pantheons that is grande vini Italiani. The Castello di Ama 2018 L'Apparita is one of the world's greatest Merlots, and this slightly cooler growing season delivers on all the promise and pedigree that we should expect of this collectors' favorite. L'Apparita opens to an inky dark and blackish appearance, and the bouquet slowly reveals black fruit, ripe cherry, dark spice, smoke and barbecue rub. The wine's texture and finish, which is so velvety and rich, so supple and soft, is what will ultimately win you over. Indeed, this wine excels especially in terms of the elegance and fullness of the mouthfeel.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (98+)

The 2019 L'Apparita is incredibly powerful in this vintage. Huge searing tannins wrap around a core of dark-fleshed fruit. Incense, tobacco, chocolate, mocha, lavender and spice open, but only reluctantly. Whereas most 2019s in the Ama range are quite inviting at this stage, L'Apparita is a wine for the cellar. In other words, the 2019 is a tight, backward Apparita that demands patience.

Vinous - Antonio Galloni (100)

The 2021 L'Apparita is sublime. A wine of compelling inner perfume and exotic richness, the 2021 is shaping up to be one of the great L'Apparitas. Inky dark fruit, espresso, licorice, lavender and crushed rocks abound in a towering, statuesque wine that will absolutely thrill those lucky enough to own it. It perfectly embodies all the greatest qualities of this historic vintage.

Decanter (97)

Dried fennel, potpourri, and dried cranberry on the nose. Beneath that, densely packed red and black cherry. A sense of latent power that needs more time to release. Lithe, refreshing tannin, with an apricot blossom finish.

Embark on an olfactory journey with the Castello di Perno Barolo 2017, an exceptional vintage of passionate craftsmanship from the verdant hills of the Langhe region in Northern Italy. This elite vintage offers a distinctive blend, drawing character from its Nebbiolo grapes hand-harvested from 40 years old vines in calcareous marl soil. Traditional winemaking techniques are utilised by this acclaimed producer, with 30 days of fermentation in stainless steel tanks, followed by 24 months in Slavonian oak barrels. This process results in a decorated Barolo, recognisable by its ethereal bouquet, profound structure and elegant tannins.

The Castello di Perno Barolo 2017 has a kaleidoscope of intricate aromas, presenting generous layers of dried fruits, nuanced rose petal notes, with touches of spice and truffle. This wine is an exemplary illustration of Barolo's prestige, offering superior longevity and a finish as dramatic as its Italian heritage.

Jancis Robinson (17)

Monforte d'Alba. Mid ruby. This shows plenty of concentration, in fact more than many other Barolos of this vintage. Complex earthy nose with cherry and raspberry fruit and subtle spice. Succulent fruit on the palate that is still a little compact and a layer of polished tannins. Lively, fresh and long. Gritty tannins that cling to the palate on the finish. Could be GV.

Experience the brilliance of the Castello di Perno Langhe Nascetta Bianco 2020, a diverse and delicious white wine rendered from the Nascetta grape varietal. Hailing from the prestigious Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy, it's the proud produce of the esteemed Castello di Perno vineyards. This exceptional wine stands out for its rich palette of citrus and aromatic herbs, underpinned by a subtle undertone of almond.

Launched upon meticulous, traditional winemaking techniques, this 2020 vintage showcases the impeccable dedication of its producer to quality. The winemaking process entails a gentle crushing of whole clusters followed by alcoholic fermentation in stainless steel vats, imparting it a distinctive freshness and complexity.

With the Castello di Perno Langhe Nascetta Bianco 2020, enjoy the allure of a wine that resonates with the vibrancy of the Italian terroir, and imbibe the legacy of a producer devoted to excellence.

Crafted with precision and elegance, the Castello di Perno Nizza 2018, from the renowned producer located in the rolling hills of Piedmont, Italy, is a stand out example of top-notch Barbera. Matured in medium-toasted French oak for 12 months, this varietal emanates a stunning complexity of ripe, blackberry fruit, enriched with subtle spicy notes from its oak ageing.

Guided by sustainable farming practices, the handpicked fruit was harvested from the producer’s very best terraced vineyards, each positioned with optimal exposure. Conveying all the hallmarks of a superb Nizza, the Castello di Perno Nizza 2018 reserves a well-structured palate with vivacious acidity and finely-integrated tannins.

Described in Decanter as 'a masterful expression of Barbera', this deeply concentrated yet brightly fresh wine promises more than a casual drink - it is a sophisticated and deeply satisfying vinous experience.

Decanter (97)

One of the nicest observations you might wish to hear as a wine producer in the Chianti Classico DOCG region of Tuscany is that the contents in the bottle are described as “very Radda’, This signifies a Chianti Classico with obvious refinement, which in this case derives in no small part from the high altitude of the prized Radda zone. This area’s cool conditions are easy to sense in this wine’s smooth, palpable crunchiness, a Chianti Classico hallmark. Picking at optimum ripeness is vital for Sangiovese to show its brisk silkiness and finesse. The grapes ferment in a newly constructed, low-energy winery built into the rock. Small amounts of Colorino and Canaiolo grapes add colour and spice to the Sangiovese. The compact clay and limestone (’alberese”) soils here give mouth-watering wines with vibrant sour cherry fruit, really crisp and with well-shaped tannins. Very Radda. Drink now to 2030. Alc 14%

Wine Advocate (93)

The Castello di Solomeo 2018 Brunello Cucinelli (with 7,000 bottles made) is drinking very nicely right now, with a hint of tertiary definition and dusty mineral that make for nice accents over a mid-weight mouthfeel. This wine feels fresh and elegant and a little "old school," with vague hints that remind me of the austerity of a Brunello or an aged super Tuscan. The classical profile that you get in the 2018 sets this wine apart.

James Suckling (97)

Wonderful aromas of flowers, plums, terracotta and white pepper. Intense, yet ever so subtle. Medium to full body, firm and silky tannins and a long and intense finish. Shows excellent length. Drink after 2021.

James Suckling (99)

The complexity and beauty to this is really something with cherry, walnut, tobacco and cigar-box character. Sweet cherries. It’s full-bodied and deep with super intensity and power. Layered and beautiful. Really refined tannins. Some whole-berry fermentation gives this added character. Goes on for minutes. Try after 2025.

James Suckling (96)

This is really fine on the palate with wonderfully integrated tannins that give tension and focus. It’s medium-bodied with lovely berry, cherry, cedar and spice. Peaches and flower stems, too. Creamy texture. Extremely long and vivid. Structured, but showing beautiful drinkability with wonderful balance and form. One to drink or hold.

James Suckling (97)

Another structured, layered red with blackberry, plum, walnut and cigar-box aromas and flavors. It’s full-bodied with depth and intensity. Tight and structured. A wine with a long future. Fine-grained and refined. Try after 2025.

Wine Advocate (93)

The 2004 Barolo Bricco Boschis tastes just like it did from barrel, which is to say sweet, layered and totally irresistible. The ripe red fruit is incredibly primary, and this wine is years away from offering its finest drinking, but it is already very impressive at this stage. This is an especially refined, elegant vintage for this wine, and I can only say that I await the Riservas with eager anticipation. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2024.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

A rich ruby into garnet hue, the 2015 Barolo Bricco Boschis offers layers of spice with rosemary, leather, cedar, and black cherry. Full-bodied and ripe, with rounded fruit that floods the palate with black raspberry, balsamic, and fresh earth, it is brooding and warming but remains pure and shows no signs of slowing down. Drink 2024-2044.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

A rich ruby into garnet hue, the 2015 Barolo Bricco Boschis offers layers of spice with rosemary, leather, cedar, and black cherry. Full-bodied and ripe, with rounded fruit that floods the palate with black raspberry, balsamic, and fresh earth, it is brooding and warming but remains pure and shows no signs of slowing down. Drink 2024-2044.

Wine Advocate (98)

All of these wines from Cavallotto deliver a very floral and perfumed subtext that gives lift and delicate buoyancy to the overall bouquet. This is the Castiglione Falletto magic that shows so well in this classic vintage. The 2016 Barolo Bricco Boschis offers dried cherry, sandalwood, bramble and forest floor. The wine reveals a slightly wild and untamed character that adds to its interest and personality. Overall, this is an elegant wine with a streamlined and elegant finish. The aromas are focused and bright. I can't wait to taste the Riserva expression from this site when it is released in three years' time.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

The 2017 Barolo Bricco Boschis is highly aromatic with anise, dried leather, and burnt orange. Ripe and structured, it offers ripe cherry, turned forest floor, and a long finish. The warmth of the vintage is felt while remaining fresh. Drink 2024-2042.