{"title":"New Mature Castello di Ama: 2015 \u0026 2022 San Lorenzo Chianti Classico, 2006 Riserva \u0026 More","description":"\u003cp\u003eCastello di Ama needs little introduction to anyone who takes Chianti Classico seriously. Antonio Galloni says there are “\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003efew estates in Italy at this level\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e”, while Monica Larner of The Wine Advocate calls it a “\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003ereference-point producer in Tuscany”\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting with \u003cstrong\u003eSan Lorenzo\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of Ama’s two single-vineyard Gran Selezione wines, this is arguably the more perfumed and graceful of the pair. Predominantly Sangiovese, with Malvasia Nera and Merlot, it comes from high-altitude vineyards in Gaiole. The 2015 is hitting its stride, with Larner awarding 95 points for its density and layers; James Suckling matched that score, praising its pure fruit. The fresh 2022 has scored 98 points with Suckling, who compared its precision to Grand Cru Burgundy, while Larner’s 95 points called it a \u003cstrong\u003e“\u003cem\u003ememorable vintage\u003c\/em\u003e”\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003e2006 Chianti Classico Riserva\u003c\/strong\u003e is in a lovely place now. After nearly two decades, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Merlot have evolved into dried cherry, leather and crushed herbs, with fine, softened tannins and the lifted perfume of Ama’s cooler, higher vineyards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve also secured a parcel of \u003cstrong\u003e2018 ‘Haiku’,\u003c\/strong\u003e the range’s hidden gem. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, it marries rich, succulent dark cherry and plum with spice, new leather and real freshness. Galloni called it “\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003efabulous, possibly the best vintage yet\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e”, while Larner’s 95 points highlighted its elegant, deliberately restrained fruit and Cabernet Franc notes of black olive tapenade. The estate talks of honesty and simplicity, but this can stand proudly alongside the most hallowed SuperTuscans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe’ve topped up on the \u003cstrong\u003e2023 ‘h’ Cabernet Franc\u003c\/strong\u003e, previously available through our syndicate, now offered in single cases.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinally, a first for us: \u003cstrong\u003eAl Poggio Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e. From high, clay-limestone slopes where Chardonnay has been planted since the early 1980s, it combines ripe peach, apple and pear with almond, freshness and a mineral edge. Larner awarded 93 points for its taut balance; Suckling’s 92 points picked out peach, raw almond and crushed stone.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"2023-h-cabernet-franc-exclusive-barrel-syndicate-share-castello-di-ama","title":"2023 'h' Cabernet Franc Exclusive Barrel Syndicate Share, Castello di Ama","description":"\u003cp\u003eCastello di Ama is renowned for its Tuscan wines, and above all for L'Apparita, a multiple 100-point winner that famously beat Pétrus and Le Pin in a blind tasting among some of the world's greatest palates. The Wine Advocate calls Ama \"\u003cem\u003ea reference-point producer in Tuscany,\u003c\/em\u003e\" and Antonio Galloni says \"t\u003cem\u003ehere are few estates in Italy at this level.\u003c\/em\u003e\" You can imagine our enthusiasm then when earlier this year, dear friend and owner Lorenza Sebasti took us down into Ama's cellars to try something rather special.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIf L'Apparita is the Pomerol of the Ama estate, 'H' is their Cheval Blanc: a pure Cabernet Franc, Ama's first ever, created exclusively for Honest Grapes Club Members as part of a very special Syndicate Barrel. Syndicate Members enjoy all the bells and whistles: a personalised back label, tour and tasting for two at the marvellous estate, plus 20% off the restaurant and villa suites.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHere's some more background. In 2023, winemaker Marco Pallanti identified the Cabernet Franc from the prestigious Montebuoni vineyard as something altogether distinctive. Knowing our passion for Italian Cabernet Franc and special barrel projects, including San Leonardo C.F., Le Dôme and IKOYI, Lorenza was delighted to suggest collaborating with us on a very special barrel. Will 'H' ever be made again, or is 2023 a one-off destined to become a rarity? Either way, this is a rare opportunity to own a unique, storied wine from one of the world's great producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e2023 'h' Cabernet Franc, Castello di Ama\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e£1,200 in bond per 30x75cl share\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePersonalised label on the bottle per member\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplimentary Tour + Tasting for two people (worth €190) + bottle of Ama EVOO\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e20% off bookings at Villa Pianigiani – lunch or dinner and accommodation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOffered subject to final confirmation. Shipping 2027\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"embed-container\"\u003e\u003ciframe data-sanitized-allowfullscreen=\"\" data-sanitized-frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b_htgrrnjVE?si=d6Q1iX99ED6Q77FL?rel=0\" title=\"YouTube video player?rel=0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53669465030963,"sku":"AMAH-2023-SHARE","price":1200.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-h-1500.jpg?v=1784210414"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-h-cabernet-franc-2023","title":"Castello di Ama, 'h' Cabernet Franc, 2023","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEst. delivery in winter, 2026\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf L'Apparita is the Pomerol of the Ama estate, 'H' is their Cheval Blanc: a pure Cabernet Franc, Ama's first ever, created exclusively for Honest Grapes Club Members. (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.honestgrapes.co.uk\/products\/2023-h-cabernet-franc-exclusive-barrel-syndicate-share-castello-di-ama\" target=\"_blank\" title=\"Syndicate members\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSyndicate Members\u003c\/a\u003e enjoy all the bells and whistles: a personalised back label, tour and tasting for two at the marvellous estate, plus 20% off the restaurant and villa suites.)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn 2023, winemaker Marco Pallanti identified the Cabernet Franc from the prestigious Montebuoni vineyard as something altogether distinctive. Knowing our passion for Italian Cabernet Franc and special barrel projects, Lorenza was delighted to suggest collaborating with us. Will 'H' ever be made again, or is 2023 a one-off destined to become a rarity? Either way, this is a rare opportunity to own a unique, storied wine from one of the world's great producers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"embed-container\"\u003e\u003ciframe data-sanitized-allowfullscreen=\"\" data-sanitized-frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/b_htgrrnjVE?si=d6Q1iX99ED6Q77FL?rel=0\" title=\"YouTube video player?rel=0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":54061498106163,"sku":"CAMA-EXBA-23-6-75-DUTY PAID","price":312.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"IN BOND \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":54061498171699,"sku":"CAMA-EXBA-23-6-75-IN BOND","price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-h-750.jpg?v=1784212507"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-gran-selezione-san-lorenzo-2022","title":"Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, San Lorenzo, 2022","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEst. delivery in November, 2026\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSan Lorenzo is the vineyard that put Castello di Ama on the map decades before Gran Selezione existed as a category, and this bottling remains the estate's most precise expression of Sangiovese grown high in the hills above Gaiole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2022 is all nerve and perfume: Ama has never chased power, preferring instead the kind of tension that makes you lean in rather than sit back.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"IN BOND \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67725537509683,"sku":"CAMA-SALO-22-6-75-IN BOND","price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-san-lorenzo-750.jpg?v=1694788905"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-riserva-2006","title":"Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico Riserva, 2006","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEst. delivery in November, 2026\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCastello di Ama needs no introduction to anyone who takes Chianti Classico seriously, and this 2006 Riserva shows exactly why the estate sits at the top table. Sangiovese leads, propped up by a splash of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, farmed across the cooler, higher vineyards around Gaiole that give Ama's wines their lifted, perfumed edge rather than the brawnier style found lower down the valley.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo decades on, this is drinking in that lovely in-between place: the fruit has settled into something drier and more savoury, all dried cherry, leather and crushed herbs, while the tannins have softened into something fine rather than fierce. One for a long dinner table and a slow-cooked ragù.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67725538361651,"sku":"CAMA-RISE-06-6-75-DUTY PAID","price":420.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"IN BOND \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67725538427187,"sku":"CAMA-RISE-06-6-75-IN BOND","price":330.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-riserva-750.jpg?v=1792489262"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-al-poggio-2025","title":"Castello di Ama, Al Poggio, 2025","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEst. delivery in November, 2026\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCastello di Ama’s Al Poggio is a proper Tuscan Chardonnay, combining ripe fruit and a bit of richness with the freshness you want from a good white. From the high, clay-limestone slopes of Gaiole in Chianti, where Chardonnay has been grown since the early 1980s, it’s a wine that shows just how well the variety can work in Tuscany. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAround 40% of the wine ferments in oak, with the rest in stainless steel; the oak portion then spends around eight months on its lees, with regular bâtonnage. That brings a little creaminess and texture, but the wine stays fresh, with a mineral edge and a long, savoury finish. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLovely with roast chicken, turkey, richer fish dishes or a creamy mushroom risotto. A versatile bottle for the table, and a good reminder that Tuscany isn't just about reds.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"IN BOND \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67725539213619,"sku":"CAMA-POGG-25-6-75-IN BOND","price":150.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-al-poggio-chardonnay-750.jpg?v=1792422685"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-haiku-2018","title":"Castello di Ama, Haiku, 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEst. delivery in November, 2026\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAma is undisputedly one of Tuscany's most exciting growers. For Galloni there are \"\u003cem\u003efew estates in Italy at this level\u003c\/em\u003e\", whilst for the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, Ama remains \"\u003cem\u003ea reference-point producer in Tuscany\u003c\/em\u003e\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaiku, the hidden gem of the range, is all poetry as the name might suggest. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, this is simply a gorgeous wine that has incredible richness and intensity of fruit, yet there is a sense of lift and lightness at play here too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate uses words like \"honesty\" and \"simplicity\", although don't let that fool you into thinking this isn't capable of taking on the most hallowed of SuperTuscans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"embed-container\"\u003e\u003ciframe data-sanitized-allowfullscreen=\"\" data-sanitized-frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aofojcynIRQ?si=VLZiHXbsbEyKxbPs\" title=\"YouTube video player?rel=0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID \/ 1 X75CL","offer_id":67745799078195,"sku":"CAMA-HAIK-18-1-75-DUTY PAID","price":52.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"DUTY PAID \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67745799110963,"sku":"CAMA-HAIK-18-1-75-DUTY PAID","price":312.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"IN BOND \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67745799176499,"sku":"CAMA-HAIK-18-1-75-IN BOND","price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/products\/castello-di-ama-haiku-750.jpg?v=1696002098"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-gran-selezione-san-lorenzo-2015","title":"Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico Gran Selezione, San Lorenzo, 2015","description":"\u003cp\u003eSan Lorenzo is one of two single-vineyard Gran Selezione bottlings from Castello di Ama, and it's arguably the more perfumed, more graceful of the pair. Sangiovese does the heavy lifting here, fleshed out with a touch of Malvasia Nera and Merlot, grown on a vineyard that catches cool breezes at altitude in Gaiole. The result is Chianti Classico at its most serious, far removed from the straw-flask stereotype some still can't shake.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2015 was a generous, ripe vintage in Tuscany, and that warmth shows in the wine's plush core of fruit, but Ama's restrained hand and cool site keep everything in check. Expect sour cherry, dried roses and a savoury, almost bloody edge, wrapped in fine, persistent tannin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"DUTY PAID \/ 1 X75CL","offer_id":67746155397427,"sku":"CAMA-SALO-15-6-75-DUTY PAID","price":64.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"DUTY PAID \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67746155430195,"sku":"CAMA-SALO-15-6-75-DUTY PAID","price":384.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"IN BOND \/ 6X75CL","offer_id":67746155495731,"sku":"CAMA-SALO-15-6-75-IN BOND","price":300.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-san-lorenzo-750.jpg?v=1694788905"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-riserva-2006-magnum","title":"Castello di Ama, Chianti Classico Riserva, 2006 - Magnum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEst. delivery in November, 2026\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCastello di Ama needs little introduction to anyone who takes Chianti Classico seriously, and this Riserva from 2006, bottled in magnum no less, is a reminder of why the estate sits at the top table. Sangiovese does the talking here, fleshed out with a little Malvasia Nera and Merlot, grown on the high, stony ground around Gaiole in Chianti where cool nights keep the wine's acidity honest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTwo decades on, this is Sangiovese shedding its youthful bravado for something altogether more interesting: dried cherry, tobacco leaf, and a dusty, bay-leaf savouriness that only comes with patience. The magnum format has been kind to it, slowing everything down so the tannins have softened without the fruit fading into memory.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"IN BOND \/ 3X150CL","offer_id":67746157527347,"sku":"CAMA-RISE-06-1-150-IN BOND","price":345.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-chianti-classico-riserva-1500.jpg?v=1792489596"},{"product_id":"castello-di-ama-haiku-2018-magnum","title":"Castello di Ama, Haiku, 2018 - Magnum","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eEst. delivery in November, 2026\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAma is undisputedly one of Tuscany's most exciting growers. For Galloni there are \"\u003cem\u003efew estates in Italy at this level\u003c\/em\u003e\", whilst for the Wine Advocate's Monica Larner, Ama remains \"\u003cem\u003ea reference-point producer in Tuscany\u003c\/em\u003e\".\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHaiku, the hidden gem of the range, is all poetry as the name might suggest. A blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, this is simply a gorgeous wine that has incredible richness and intensity of fruit, yet there is a sense of lift and lightness at play here too.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe estate uses words like \"honesty\" and \"simplicity\", although don't let that fool you into thinking this isn't capable of taking on the most hallowed of SuperTuscans.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cstyle\u003e\u003c!--\n.embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: hidden; max-width: 100%; } .embed-container iframe, .embed-container object, .embed-container embed { position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; }\n--\u003e\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"embed-container\"\u003e\u003ciframe data-sanitized-allowfullscreen=\"\" data-sanitized-frameborder=\"0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/aofojcynIRQ?si=VLZiHXbsbEyKxbPs\" title=\"YouTube video player?rel=0\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c!----\u003e","brand":"Castello di Ama","offers":[{"title":"IN BOND \/ 3X150CL","offer_id":67752437580083,"sku":"CAMA-HAIK-18-1-150-IN BOND","price":240.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/files\/castello-di-ama-haiku-magnum.jpg?v=1751012792"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0767\/7463\/7875\/collections\/ama-co.jpg?v=1792775162","url":"https:\/\/www.honestgrapes.co.uk\/collections\/new-mature-castello-di-ama-2015-2022-san-lorenzo-chianti-classico-2006-riserva-more.oembed","provider":"Honest Grapes","version":"1.0","type":"link"}