During a tasting with Castello di Ama’s Arturo Pallanti, he described Bellavista's essence as complexity before elegance. Indeed, 2021 is an intricate and detailed tapestry of all its elements. It speaks deftly of cool heights, luminous exposures and an exceptionally warm vintage, yet is youthfully restrained rather than effusive. Traces of blood orange, blood, smoke and stone weave through dark berries. The palate is agile in its brawn and density, with definition to its blackcurrant and dark plum richness. Tactile tannins are tightly cinched. A magnificent follow up to the stunning 2020. (MM)

The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista shows dark color saturation and elegantly restrained aromas of dark cherry and blackberry. The Vigneto Bellavista is one of the Gran Cru sites in this appellation, with vines planted over the tall ridge of a sun-drenched hillside. That special positioning always gives this wine more concentration and complexity, ultimately. There is sweet fruit, ripe plum and spice, and these aromas are framed by a dark slate-like mineral note. The mouthfeel is compact and firm with a beautiful sense of lasting richness. (ML)

You smell this and you know it’s a solid Bellavista, with blackcurrants, black cherries, blackberries, blood oranges and orange blossoms on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and focused palate that gives such precision in fruit and tannins. It needs another five year to soften and open. Try after 2028.