Name: Castello di Ama Toscana l'Apparita 2008 750ml
Brand: Castello Di Ama
SKU: 892222
Price: 234.96 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 94.6 (5 reviews)

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Winery

Castello Di Ama

Shop all from Castello Di Ama

Varietal

Merlot

With its dark blue colored fruits and high juice content, Merlot varietal grapes have long been a favorite of wine producers around the globe, with it being found in vineyards across Europe, the Americas and elsewhere in the New World. One of the distinguishing features of Merlot grapes is the fact that they have a relatively low tannin content and an exceptionally soft and fleshy character, meaning they are capable of producing incredibly rounded and mellow wines. This mellowness is balanced with plenty of flavor, however, and has made Merlot grapes the varietal of choice for softening other, more astringent and tannin-heavy wines, often resulting in truly exceptional produce. Merlot is regarded as one of the key 'Bordeaux' varietals for precisely this reason; when combined with the drier Cabernet Sauvignon, it is capable of blending beautifully to produce some of the finest wines available in the world.

Country

Italy

There are few countries in the world with a viticultural history as long or as illustrious as that claimed by Italy. Grapes were first being grown and cultivated on Italian soil several thousand years ago by the Greeks and the Pheonicians, who named Italy 'Oenotria' – the land of wines – so impressed were they with the climate and the suitability of the soil for wine production. Of course, it was the rise of the Roman Empire which had the most lasting influence on wine production in Italy, and their influence can still be felt today, as much of the riches of the empire came about through their enthusiasm for producing wines and exporting it to neighbouring countries. Since those times, a vast amount of Italian land has remained primarily for vine cultivation, and thousands of wineries can be found throughout the entire length and breadth of this beautiful country, drenched in Mediterranean sunshine and benefiting from the excellent fertile soils found there. Italy remains very much a 'land of wines', and one could not imagine this country, its landscape and culture, without it.

Region

Tuscany

The central Italian region of Tuscany is widely understood to be one of the world's most famous and highly regarded wine regions. The beautiful rolling hillsides and medieval towns and castles which are a key feature of the area are also home to many of Europe's finest wineries, and extremely high quality vineyards growing the distinctive Sangiovese and Vernaccia grape varietals which are the flavorful backbone of Tuscany's wonderful red and white wines. For almost three thousand years, this region has been recognized as an ideal home for wine production on a large scale, and the ancient Etruscans, Greeks and Romans all noticed that fine grape varietals flourished on the unique soils and under the hot sunshine which typifies the area. Today, Tuscany is home to a wide range of wines, from the traditional to the complex, but all dedicated to excellent flavors and aromas, and maintaining the region's international reputation.

WE 97pts

Wine Enthusiast

One of the greatest Italian Merlots, the pedigree of L'Apparita is evident the minute you raise the glass to your nose. Notes of cherry and blackberry are seamlessly integrated with touches of oak spice, leather, tobacco and dark chocolate. The finish is long and smooth, and there's enough freshness and structure to allow this bottle to age for 10 years or more. (Cellar Selection)

JS 95pts

James Suckling

Big and velvety with loads of dark fruit and milk chocolate. Full body, with velvety tannins and a decadent finish. Like chocolate mousse at the end. Turns very, very delicious. Loving this. The classic, pure Merlot from Chianti Classico. Drink now or hold.

VM 95pts

Vinous Media

A more exotic side of this site emerges from the 2008 L’Apparita. According to Marco Pallanti, the weather was quite warm in 2008. Rain towards the end of the season was more problematic for the later-ripening varieties, but that was not an issue for the Merlot. Black cherry, plum, smoke and licorice overtones add to an impression of darkness. Silky, beautifully ripe tannins and unctuous fruit with the natural richness that is achieved in late harvests add to the wine’s considerable appeal. This is one of my favorite wines of the afternoon.

WA 93pts

Wine Advocate

The 2008 L’Apparita (Merlot) is very, very beautiful. This is a gorgeous vintage for the Apparita. Sweet dark cherries, chocolate, mint, licorice and spices are some of the many notes that emerge from the glass. The 2008 possesses striking inner perfume and sweetness. The 2008 is a decidedly mid-weight vintage, but it works. Graceful and elegant through to the long finish, the 2008 Apparita is a wine that convinces for its balance and overall sense of harmony. This bottle is far better than the two examples I tasted last year. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2028.

WS 93pts

Wine Spectator

A tightly wound, linear red, with floral, black cherry, black currant, earth and mineral flavors shored up by edgy tannins. Balanced in a lean way, with a vibrant, resonant finish. Merlot. Best from 2015 through 2024. 100 cases imported.

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Castello di Ama Toscana l’Apparita 2008 750ml

Case of 6

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