Michaela Morris

"First planted in 1978, the 12.5ha Casuccia vineyard is divided into nine parcels. A specific selection of these is made each vintage, but the wine always includes a substantial portion of Merlot. The latest release is generously inflected with toast, mocha, liquorice and tobacco aromas. The palate allies fruit sweetness with savoury earthiness – think blueberry and prune plum with mushroom and forest undergrowth. Sumptuously weighted and creamy in texture, its tannins are taut and firm though never hard. There is a distinct umami quality here."

Antonio Galloni

"The 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is one of the most open and expressive wines in this range—a wine that hints at the greatness of the year. Crushed rose petal, blood orange, mint, spice, new leather and cedar all saturate the palate. Silky tannins wrap it all together. Sensual and deep, the Casuccia is both immensely pleasurable and very serious. What a wine."

"The dark blue fruit is exciting, with blackcurrants, black cherries, raspberries, dark mushrooms and pine cones on both the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied with fine and tight tannins that give this tension and structure. It’s rather shy now and will need three or four years to show its true self. Try after 2027."

Monica Larner

"The Castello di Ama 2021 Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto La Casuccia is a bit closed on first nose, resulting in a bouquet that has not fully blossomed. I have extended the drinking window as a result. You do furrow out characteristic aromas of black cherry, spice and crushed stone. The wine is flavorful, amply structured and very long on the palate. The nose holds back, but the mouthfeel is raring to go. "