Castello di Ama Haiku 2019

VM96: The 2019 Haiku is captivating. Bright and expressive, with brisk acids, the 2019 hits all the right notes. Black cherry, plum, incense, tobacco, crushed rocks and lavender race across the palate. I see more depth and also greater energy than in earlier vintages here, and that's great to see.

WA95: The Castello di Ama 2019 Haiku is a blend of 50% Sangiovese, 25% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc. Marco Pallanti calls it "the alter ego of San Lorenzo," and the association to Japanese poetry is meant to portray "something simple that means a lot," he tells me during my visit to the estate. However, the Tuscan imprint is very strong in this wine, and although Merlot suffers from a changing climate, the Cabernet Franc imparts a firm and lasting textural impact. The Sangiovese brings in ruby fruit, rose, herb and fresh acidity. The 2019 vintage is big-boned, but it moves with grace and precision.