Tenuta Sant'Antonio Tenuta Sant'Antonio Amarone della Valpolicella Selezione Antonio Castagnedi 2020 750ml

The 2019 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is darkly alluring, with a seductive blend of black cherries and crushed violet candies giving way to a dusting of cocoa. This is silky smooth, nearly creamy yet lifted in feel, with ripe red fruits contrasted by a tinge of bitter balsamic spice. This tapers off with youthful tension, leaving a coating of grippy tannins that are nicely offset by a bump of residual acidity. There's lovely balance within the 2019 that makes this an excellent option for the dinner table but will also promote aging. It clocks in at just 15% alcohol as well. Gorgeous.<br/><br/>

The 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Antonio Castagnedi is darkly alluring, as crushed black cherries blend with shavings of Baker's chocolate and sage. It is silken in feel, with a cascade of mineral-infused red berry fruits saturating the palate, all elevated by brisk acidity. The finish tapers off classically dry and gently tannic, leaving a pleasantly bitter tinge of cocoa and citrus that lingers. Don't be afraid of bringing this savory and sultry Amarone to the dinner table. Nicely done.

Very tight on the nose, so give it a good swirl to bring out the bright red fruit, such as raspberries and red cherries, which are more immediately evident on the palate. Full and structured, with a youthful feel provided by the backbone of fresh tannin that is rather chewy but still allows the fresh fruit to flow. Drinkable even now at the dining table, but this is built to last and will enjoy a few years in the cellar.

A producer that is riding high, crafting a line of intriguing wines across colors. This is full-weighted and a bit drying, et not without verve, lift and detail, despite the challenging nature of the very warm year. Reveling in a shroud of dark fruit, camphor, licorice root and bergamot, this is a powerful, smoky Amarone. The tannins are a bit blunt, but not necessarily because of the oak. Rather from a composite of heat and thick grape skins. Age may serve this well, but I’d drink this across the mid-term. Drink or hold.

Perfumed with dried violet, sage and sandalwood accents, this balanced red frames flavors of black ripe cherry, red licorice and fresh earth with plum skin acidity and fine, crisp tannins. Drink now through 2030. 12,500 cases made, 1,850 cases imported.