Castello di Ama Chianti Classico Gran Selezione Vigneto Bellavista 1995

Robert Parker: The 1995 Chianti Classico Vigneto Bellavista is breathtaking. Today it remains a baby. Pallanti calls the 1995 ‘jammy’ but I don’t really see that. Yes, the fruit is voluptuous, but it is also balanced by healthy acidity and veins of underlying minerality that keep the wine vibrant. The 1995 is the product of a year with almost no summer until late September. The harvest took place on October 20, exceedingly late by present-day standards. Today the 1995 boasts dazzling power, richness and opulence, but without any heaviness or excess weight. This is a dazzling showing. Readers who own the 1995 can look forward to another 10-15 years of fabulous drinking. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030. (96/100, 2012)

Jancis Robinson: Light ruby. Light treacly lively stuff that has lasted well but I find it difficult to justify the price. It certainly proves that the best Chiantis have a long life, but should they really cost this much? (Should red bordeaux cost this much? Discuss.) Bit dusty on the end. Transparent and lovely but so delicate that it needs careful food matching – a creamy veal dish? Admirably persistent. (17.5/20, 2009)