2001 Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva La Mattonara
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The 2001 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva La Mattonara explodes like a spice box of ginger, cinnamon, allspice and clove before showing its macerated black cherries and hints of tobacco. This is a perfect example of why we should age Amarone, now released from its dense and inward state; the 2001 is all about energy, lift and has an almost-jovial and unbridled feel with vibrant red berries and spices, all elevated by juicy acidity, plus a balancing earthiness. This is flat-out stunning and one of the top wines I’ve tasted from the Veneto to date. If you can find it, don’t hesitate.
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Eric Guido, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
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The 2001 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva della Mattonara bursts from the glass with endless layers of silky fruit. White flowers, French oak, new leather and spices blossom as the wine opens up. A super-refined, insistent finish leaves a strong impression. The Riserva della Mattonara is 40% Corvina, 30% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Croatina. The wine was fermented in cement vats and spent a whopping nine years in a combination of casks and smaller barrels. Today the French oak is a bit dominant. As good as the 2001 Riserva is, it can’t quite match the 2006 Harlequin, the wine that remains the pinnacle of achievement at Zyme. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2021. Celestino Gaspari was once Giuseppe Quintarelli’s heir-apparent. Today he makes wines under his own label, the best of which show Gaspari is blazing his own trail as one of the most exciting producers in Valpolicella. Importer: Riviera Imports, Long Island City, NY; tel. (561) 542-0456