96
James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com
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.
95 Kerin O'Keefe - kerinokeefe.com
Smooth and delicious, this compelling red offers delicately enticing scents of dark-skinned fruit, pressed rose, violet and cedar. Boasting layers of flavor, the smooth palate is all about finesse, delivering ripe plum, spiced berry, licorice and crushed mint before a mocha close. Velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide seamless support and balance. Drink 2023–2033.
95 Wine Enthusiast
Smooth and delicious, this compelling red offers delicately enticing scents of dark-skinned fruit, pressed rose, violet and cedar. Boasting layers of flavor, the smooth palate is all about finesse, delivering ripe plum, spiced berries, licorice and crushed mint before a mocha close. Velvety tannins and fresh acidity provide seamless support and balance. Drink 2023–2033
94+ Monica Larner - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The Castello di Ama 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione San Lorenzo is one of the most distinctive wines in the ample portfolio offered by this estate. I always seem to find a balsamic note in the San Lorenzo Sangiovese (a blend of some of the property's best fruit, with a touch of Merlot and Malvasia Nera thrown in), and it definitely comes through in this vintage with grilled rosemary and even a touch of black olive. This wine is truly Mediterranean in spirit and it boasts an all-Italian identity. Its supple, mid-weight texture is amplified by elegant fruit and spice. And the wine's fresh acidity makes it the ideal pairing partner with your favorite Tuscan pasta or pici recipes.
94 Antonio Galloni - Vinous
The 2018 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Castello di Ama San Lorenzo is a deep, potent wine. Black cherry, gravel, smoke, licorice, chocolate, spice infuse the San Lorenzo with tons of dark Sangiovese character. A heady, muscular wine, the 2019 exudes tremendous richness. I would give it a few years. The 2018 is a wine of aromatic intrigue and intensity.
94 Decanter
Castello di Ama’s ‘estate’ Gran Selezione brings together fruit from its high-altitude vineyards of Bellavista, Casuccia, San Lorenzo and Montebuoni – all in Gaiole. The future direction of this wine is uncertain as it is blended with a small percentage of Merlot, which will no longer be permitted at the Gran Selezione level. It is delightfully scented with cherry, rosehip and lilac atop brushwood and forest undergrowth. Elegantly proportioned, the palate is mineral driven, vertical in extension and gracious in its execution. Oak provides a sophisticated, understated frame melding well with finessed tannins. There's a charming finale of blood orange notes.
