2017 Castello di Ama, L’Apparita, Toscana 6x750ml

Vinous 96+

The 2017 L’Apparita, Ama’s 100% Merlot, is silky, polished and exceptionally beautiful. In 2017, L’Apparita is restrained and elegant more than it is powerful. I have seen L’Apparita blossom with a few years in bottle. I imagine it will be the case here too. Today, L’Apparita is decidedly nuanced and elegant. [Antonio Galloni, 09/18/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2025-2042

Robert Parker 96

I am immediately struck by the power and concentration of the Castello di Ama 2017 L’Apparita. This is an exuberant and gregarious expression of Merlot that has absorbed every last sunbeam of the hot summer season. On the nose, the wine shows beautiful fullness and generosity that spills richly across the senses. Blackberry syrup and cherry liqueur are followed by smoke, tar, toast and sweet chewing tobacco. You taste that extra density in a similar manner, and the rich concentration of the fruit has consequently shaped a more apparent tannin and a little snap of astringency on the close. My sample bottle does not show a reading of the wine’s alcoholic content, but you feel some heat as well. This edition of L’Apparita is extra dark, succulent and firm. When the wine has been given another five to ten years of cellar age, then I’d suggest guinea fowl or one of those delicious roasted pigeon dishes you find in Tuscany. Some 7,300 bottles were made. [Monica Larner, 05/05/2020]

Anticipated maturity: 2023-2040