The 2006 Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista boasts compelling inner sweetness, great power and huge overall structure. Dark cherries, flowers, licorice, tobacco and incense are some of the many notes that burst from the glass in this explosive, totally seductive Bellavista. The 2006 needs time to fully integrate its French oak, but it is shaping up to be a jewel. It is quite clear from this tasting the 2006 is evolving at a glacial pace. Readers who can be patient will be amply rewarded. It is conceivable that the 2006 could one day eclipse the 2004. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2036. This vertical of Castello di Ama’s flagship Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista was one of the more remarkable tastings I have ever had the privilege of participating in. From his very first vintage, 1982, Marco Pallanti was clearly onto something big. Readers still lucky enough to own that wine are in for a real treat. The single-vineyard Bellavista is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Malvasia Nera, a combination of indigenous grapes that works beautifully. The early vintages included a dollop of Canaiolo that was planted in the vineyard up until 1988, when it was ripped out in favor of the Merlot that would go on to produce L’Apparita. I also tasted the 2011 Bellavista in barrel, the first since 2007, and a year that it resembles from a stylistic standpoint. Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Bellavista Key Points: 1. 80% Sangiovese/20% Malvasia Nera aged in French oak barrels 2. Made from Ama’s Bellavista vineyard, a high-altitude plot in Castellina 3. A powerful, intense Chianti Classico 4. Aging potential: 20-30 years

Complex and fruity aromas, with crushed blackberry and black cherry. Full-bodied, with very silky, refined tannins. Long and pretty. Turns powerful and structured. This is built like a brick house. Best after 2009. 700 cases made. -JS

. There’s a compact, traditional characteristic here that gives this wine smooth, sophisticated appeal. Aromas include white cherry, dried raspberry, tar, licorice and root beer. Twenty percent Malvasia Nera is added to the blend. ——M.L.(4/1/2011)—— 90