The 2009 Haiku is a new Sangiovese/Cabernet Franc/Merlot blend meant to showcase regional distinctiveness over strict varietal character. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and spices are some of the notes that flow from the glass, but today the 2009 is quite reticent, especially in the bouquet. Like all of the Ama 2009s, the tannins are quite firm and call for cellaring. The blend is 50% Sangiovese and 50% Cabernet Franc/Merlot. Haiku is a promising wine. The 2009 isn’t hugely differentiated from the Castello di Ama bottling, but readers will see a greater difference beginning with the 2010, which I also tasted. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2029.
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.
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