The 2020 L'Apparita will soon take its place among the great Apparitas. Unctuous and layered in the glass, the 2020 possesses exceptional balance and tons of character right out of the gate. Exotic scents of blackberry jam, chocolate, new leather, licorice and smoke are so alluring. Imposing tannins need time to soften, but once that happens readers will be treated to a spectacular Apparita that captures all the best the vintage had to offer. Marco Pallanti waited until mid-September (late for the year) to bring in this fruit. That decision paid off handsomely. Drinking window: 2027-2045. Score - 99. (Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Aug. 29, 2023)

Intense and exotic on the nose with blackberry, blueberry, violet and walnut aromas that follow through to a full body with layers of ripe tannins and a beautiful finish of polished and well poised fruit. It goes on and on. I am impressed by the freshness here, as well as the intensity for the vintage. Drink in 2023 and onwards, but a joy to taste now. [Drink through early 2040s.] Score - 97. (jamessuckling.com, July 7, 2020)

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. [Drink till 2028.] Score - 97. (Wine Enthusiast, April 1, 2013)

The 2018 L'Apparita is a total stunner. Ama's 100% Merlot is usually a wine of bombastic intensity, but the 2018 marks a departure from that style, as it is all finesse and nuance. Blackberry jam, spice, menthol and lavender are some of the aromas and flavors that open in an Apparita that dazzles with its precision and nuance. Rain at the end of August pushed out harvest and gave Marco Pallanti the ideal conditions to craft this gorgeous wine. Drinking window: 2026-2043. Score - 99. (Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Sept. 2021)

Ama's 2010 L'Apparita is super-intriguing from the very first taste. With each passing vintage, it seems like Apparita becomes less about Merlot and more about Ama. Dark red cherries, rose petals, sage, rosemary, tobacco and licorice are some of the many notes that are alive in the glass. Wonderfully nuanced and expressive, the 2010 caresses every corner of the palate with breathtaking intensity and finesse. The 2010 isn't a huge Apparita, rather it is a cool vintage, savory Merlot built for the cellar. Drinking window: 2018-2030. Score - 96+. (Antonio Galloni, vinous.com, Sept. 2014)