This is a new wine with the inaugural 2018 vintage introduced last year. The Castello di Ama 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni draws its fruit from a vineyard site that sits parallel to Vigneto Bellavista about one kilometer over and enjoys similar exposures. The estate felt that it needed to fill a gap in the portfolio between the entry-level wines and the top-shelf Gran Selezioni. That's where the Riserva Montebuoni comes in. This 15-hectare site was purchased by Marco Pallanti in 1997, and a lot of work went into moving earth and preparing the poor, clay-based terrain for planting. These results show beautifully concentrated fruit over a medium to full-bodied approach with lingering smoke, blackberry and sweet tobacco.

The 2019 Chianti Classico Riserva Montebuoni is a dark, sensual wine. Black cherry, plum, spice, licorice and dried herbs all take shape in a virile, layered Riserva that is a terrific bridge into the Gran Seleziones in the range. I would give this a few years in bottle.

Rich, boasting cherry, plum, earth, leather and sanguine notes. Firm, yet the fruit holds its own through the lively, persistent finish. Fine balance and energy overall. Sangiovese and Merlot. Drink now through 2027. 300 cases imported.