The 2015 Il Chiuso is a blend of Sangiovese and Pinot Noir - two grapes with similar personalities that are not often seen as a couple. This is a soft and delicate wine with pretty aromas of wild berry, blue flower, button mushroom and wet earth. The wine reflects its territorial roots with authenticity and care. Pair this lean-bodied red with white meat or hearty fish soup.

The 2011 Il Chiuso is an extremely floral and feminine expression with blue flower, wet earth and almond marzipan. A general feeling of elegance reinforces the streamlined mouthfeel. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2018. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461

The 2010 Chiuso is an intriguing blend of Sangiovese and Pinot Noir that works beautifully. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and spices, waft from the glass, all supported by silky tannins. The Pinot Noir gives this entry-level red an extra measure of gracefulness that is usually missing from Tuscan wines in this price range. This is a delicious entry-level red from Ama. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2014. This is a fabulous set of wines from Lorenza and Marco Pallanti. In addition to these wines, I also tasted the full range of 2010 and 2011s, two vintages that are shaping up beautifully at Ama. The single-vineyard Chianti Classicos return to the fray in 2011, the first vintage produced after 2007. The 2011s are full of promise although they naturally reflect the more exuberant quality of the year vis-a-vis the cool, structured 2010s. I also retasted Ama’s 2008s, two wines that have improved markedly since I reviewed them last year. Pallanti describes 2008 as a good vintage up until September, when rain became problematic. Castello di Ama fans will want to check out my vertical of the Chianti Classico Bellavista, also in this issue. Lastly, let me add that any readers still holding the 2002 Chianti Classico (a year in which the single-vineyard wines weren’t made) are in for a very pleasant surprise. Importer: The Sorting Table, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 603-1461

The 2001 Il Chiuso, a Pinot Noir, is the best the estate has yet produced, but vintages such as 2002 and 2003 have led to some questioning of the future of the wine. In the meantime the red berry fruit, the lightly herbaceous notes, the polished texture, and the sensations of game and leather are fine expressions of the variety. Drink: 2005-2012. Note: at press time, Castello di Ama was in the process of changing their American importer.