2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
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Tasting notes
Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta. Oseleta has replaced Molinara from 2003 on, as this variety possesses more structure, colour and acidity, than Molinara. Aged in 100% new barriques. Dark, maturing ruby with broad orange rim. Intense, sweet strawberry, black-cherry compote and lot of fruitcake and dried-fig notes. Heady, seductive and clearly reflecting the hot year. Rich and sweet on the palate too. Quite big tannin! Laurel and dried-fruit finish. Quite sweet finish, but just enough acidity to keep the tension. Ends just ever so slightly crude because of the alcohol. Quite big and typical for the vintage but not the Allegrini style. 6.5 g/l RS seems high, but made it possible to produce a wine with 15% alcohol, and hence a better balance. (WS)
Critic scores
Average Score
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2003 Amarone is the complete opposite of the 2004, but it is every bit as convincing. Allegrini's 2003 Amarone literally explodes onto the palate with masses of black cherries, chocolate and spices. It is a decidedly opulent, racy wine loaded with dark fruit, but the balance is impeccable. In the style of the vintage, the tannins remain a touch firm, but there is more than enough density in the fruit to provide balance. This is an impressive effort in what was a very difficult growing season.
Allegrini's 2003 Amarone Classico (80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta) reveals a super-opulent, engaging texture packed with sweet cocoa, dark fruit, cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee beans and licorice. It finishes with notable length and surprising finish for the vintage. According to Allegrini the rain that fell in July was critical in maintaining some balance in the wine. This medium to full-bodied wine is an outstanding example of a more restrained, clean style of Amarone.
Allegrini’s 2003 Amarone Classico (80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta) reveals a super-opulent, engaging texture packed with sweet cocoa, dark fruit, cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee beans and licorice. It finishes with notable length and surprising finish for the vintage. According to Allegrini the rain that fell in July was critical in maintaining some balance in the wine. This medium to full-bodied wine is an outstanding example of a more restrained, clean style of Amarone. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2013. This is a terrific set of consistently excellent to outstanding wines from Allegrini. Readers will also find a number of value-priced wines that offer notable quality for the money. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620