2015 Masi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera
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Vintners in Valpolicella love the 2015 vintage because it produced the dry conditions and warm temperatures that are perfect for appassimento, or air-drying fruit. The Masi 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera opens to a dark-garnet and velvety-rich appearance. The bouquet offers lots of depth and power, especially in terms of those savory tones of smoked spice and leather. The spice frames a core of baked fruit and sweet blackberry confit. This is a round and supple blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara (aged mostly in Slavonian oak with some Allier for up to 30 months). Production is a generous 620,000 bottles.
Critic scores
James Suckling
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
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Dark, rich and spicy, the 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera lifts from the glass with ease. Dark chocolate, savory cherry sauce, lavender and tobacco can all be found here. It’s silky in texture, yet it finds balance through a mix of vibrant acidity and a tart display of wild berry fruits. This tapers off with admirable freshness, as well as a coating of round tannin which should carry the 2015 for over a decade in the cellar.
This opens beautifully to reveal violets, blueberries, licorice, citrus, oyster shell and orange rind. So velvety and polished, but with real depth and structure. Medium-to full-bodied with delightful fruit and a long finish. Drink in 2021 but already so satisfying.