Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Riserva 2008 Gaiole in Chianti

With the castle itself dating back to the middle ages, Castello di Ama is both one of Tuscany's most historic properties as well as one of its leading wine estates. Located on a hilltop with an ideal exposure to the sun and the classic galestro soils of rocky clay, the wines here are always full-bodied but with refreshing lift and freshness at the same time, especially so in this fine and measured vintage in Chianti Classico. This was winemaker Marco Pallanti's first riserva, and it is drinking beautifully now thanks to some 15 years of gentle ageing in cask and bottle. The classic sun-dried tomato and strawberry character of sangiovese is still there on the palate, but the main flavours now are leather, tobacco and balsam, with a touch of sweet liquorice and bresaola on the finish. This will keep for another five years at least, but it is undoubtedly a joy to drink now.