This is wonderfully integrated and complex, offering a dizzying array of spices that blend seamlessly with notes of leather and cherries. Wonderfully velvety in texture and round in the mouth, but also boasting a long, spice-filled finish. A tremendous effort. Drink now–2020.
— J.C.
(12/31/2006)
There’s something magical about this wine: the purity, the elegance, the harmony, the immediate rush of intensity. This is one of Italy’s iconic wines thanks to the profound purity it delivers with notes of chocolate, leather, cherry, apple, cola and spice. It imparts loads of succulent flavor and is simply beautiful.
— M.L.
(12/1/2007)
This first-rate Amarone by Franco Scamperle earns an A for typicity and intensity. The aromas are enticing and pristine, with nuances of forest berry, red apple, chocolate, espresso, resin, chopped herbs and cherry pie. It boasts a lively ruby color, spice-driven flavors (the wine ages three years in barrique) and excellent persistence in the mouth.
— M.L.
(10/1/2007)
Shows more leather and cedar than the Campolongo di Torbe, but even more richness and intensity. Slightly pruny, dried-fruit notes are accompanied by hints of apricot, game and dried spices. Lush and long on the finish; the best of the 2000s. It’s approachable, but age-worthy.
— J.C.
(12/31/2006)
Wow, what a wine! Masi’s Mazzano takes the best of Valpolicella and magnifies it by one thousand percent. There’s dense richness and softness here followed by savory notes of spice, cured meat, leather, barbecue sauce, dried ginger and plum cake. The tannins are extra polished and fine.
— M.L.
(12/1/2011)
This Riserva Amarone proves to be an extremely elegant and sophisticated wine with enormously rich notes of black fruit supported by savory tones of exotic spice, leather, dried tobacco and beef jerky. The wine is beautifully polished and smooth, but it also delivers unforgettable power and depth.
— M.L.
(2/1/2011)
This is a real beauty, with huge intensity and loads of deep chocolate fudge, black cherry, cola, barbecue and black licorice flavors. It manages contrasting tones of sweet versus savory that pleasure the tastebuds. The palate is rich, smooth and superconcentrated.
— M.L.
(11/1/2012)
There’s a particular elegance here that is impossible to beat: The wine is spectacular overall, but never too ornate, and earns high praise for its purity. Aromas of resin, tar, apple and almond are distinct and vibrant and the wine delivers firm, dusty tannins and excellent length.
— M.L.
(12/1/2007)