Ama’s 2003 Chianti Classico is a powerful, super-ripe effort. A dark ruby, it presents sweet dark cherry and tobacco notes on an ample frame, with excellent concentration on the palate although the finish is marked by the hard tannins of the vintage. The wine did soften somewhat with air, yet my impression is that it will provide its best drinking relatively early. In 2003 Ama did not produce its single-vineyard wines and the estate’s best fruit ended up in the normal bottling. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2015. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461

Intensely fruity nose with crushed raspberries and plums. Full-bodied, with loads of fruit and velvety tannins. This is exceptional for the vintage. Ama sets the high water mark for quality Chianti Classico. Best after 2005. 12,000 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Chianti Classico Select to Add