Masi Agricola Masi Riserva Costasera Amarone Classico 2019 750ml

Hillside, south-west facing slopes are the source, as always at this address. 70% corvina, 15% rondinella, 10% oseleta and a dash of molinara. Oseleta’s thick, skin-heavy solid-to-liquid ratio serves as a bulwark against a warming climate, imparting tannins and very bright acidity. A fine variety, serving a warming region well while adding a sense of completion to the blend. It is often picked as late as October. This is excellent. Dense as much as it is remarkably sprightly and fresh. Aromas of pine, fennel and layers of maraschino cherry, damson, balsamic, polished leather and high quality bitter chocolate. Finishes pithy, firm and nobly bitter. Drink or hold. (Ned Goodwin MW)

The 2017 Amarone Classico Riserva Costasera is a seductress on the nose, with a burst of black cherry and autumnal spice offset by depths of dark chocolate and lifting hints of mint. It is silky smooth and surprisingly energetic, with crisp red fruits and glycerol depths of black raspberry and clove. Ample acidity helps maintain amazing freshness despite its power and girth, and a pleasantly bitter tinge of balsamic tapers off through the gently tannic finale. (Eric Guido)

The 2019 Amarone Clássico Costasera Riserva is a seductress, bursting from the glass with a collage of spiced orange, rosemary, cedar box and dried black cherries. It pulses across the palate with energy and verve, displaying tart wild berry fruits and sour citrus tones propelled by a core of zesty acidity. Despite its energy, the 2019 shows fantastic complexity throughout and finishes with a classically dry sensation and a framework of sweet tannins.<br/><br/>

An Amarone that nudges Port, such is the density and liqueur-like notes of cocoa nibs, mocha, root spices and dried cherries. The tannins restrain the flavors into a sense of composure on one hand, while drying out the finish on the other. Very drying. Presumably, this simply needs time, or at least it is best to hope so. Drinkable now, but best from 2030.

A well-knit red, with fine tannins swathed in a silky texture, carrying flavors of plumped cherry and blackberry fruit, dried thyme and lavender, ground coffee and pepper. Fresh and focused through the lingering finish. Corvina, Rondinella, Oseleta and Molinara. Drink now through 2034. 4,200 cases made, 700 cases imported. (Alison Napjus)

In the bottle with the black label, the Masi 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Costasera is generous in terms of ripeness, concentration and extract. This blend of 70% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 10% Oseleta and 5% Molinara shows an inky dark appearance with baked fruit and blackberry preserves. With a 15.5% alcohol content, the wine definitely leaves its mark on all the senses. A hint of mild bitterness comes with the oak tannins. Production is 50,000 bottles.