Masi Costacera Amarone Classico 2020

"Smells like walking into a kitchen where plum pie just left the oven, then the aromas shift to fresh tobacco, turned earth and Mediterranean herbs. The palate stays lush while fine tannins keep everything precise and focused. When classic style meets perfect restraint."

"Bright ruby red colour with a brightening core. Expressive aromas of fresh wild berries, roses and raspberry on the nose, with a fine use of wood, light notes of blood oranges and a delicately alcoholic finish. Soft and supple on the palate, with clear, juicy red fruit, surrounded by delicate tannins, fine texture, full-bodied and powerful, with impressive length and a flinty finish."

"The 2020 Amarone Classico Costasera takes its time blossoming in the glass. It is dusty and hauntingly dark, with a whiff of dried flowers and crushed rocks that slowly evolve into wild blueberries, shavings of dark chocolate and nuances of mint. Elegant and refined, it has silken textures and a contrasting mix of sour cherries offset by sweet spice and a twang of blood orange. A coating of fine tannins frames the finish as the 2020 leaves savory herbal tones and hints of clove that linger on and on. This is a fantastic vintage for the Costasera, which I expect may get even better with time."

The Masi 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera (made with 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara) shows dark fruit ripeness with meaty cherry and blackberry. Thanks to the younger vintage, you can appreciate the wine's primary intensity. A potent 15% alcohol content and a full-bodied texture sets this bottle up for a pairing with polenta and sausage. Tart cherry appears as a final send-off.