Masi, Costasera Amarone – 2007Rare Edition, Valpoliccella Classico,Veneto, Italy, Red, 75cl

Sandalwood, balsamic, cinnamon, spruce and pine. The tertiary maturation has done this favours. A fine, mature Amarone. Rich, nourishing and avuncular. Like taking your shoes off and stretching into a freshly polished armchair. Lovely drinking, although the finish is slightly drying, suggesting that this needs breaching, preferably with food, sooner rather than later.

The 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera emerges from the glass with intricate layers of sweet, perfumed fruit. Flowers, berries and spices develop over time as this nuanced, textured Amarone takes shape. High-toned floral notes add brightness on the finish. The 2007 is one of the best Costaseras I remember tasting. The wine can be enjoyed today for its exuberant, generous fruit or cellared for at least a handful of years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022.This is one of the finest and most consistent set of wines I have tasted from Masi, one of the historic names in Veneto.

A juicy Amarone that partners a silky texture with supple tannins, delivering dark flavors of brambly berry fruit and ripe black cherry, layered with smoke, vanilla, anise and clove. There’s seamless integration, with a long finish that echoes the pure fruit flavor. Drink now through 2030. 6,000 cases imported.

Costasera is a dark, brooding wine that boasts a dark side, aromatically speaking, in the form of Indian spice, clove, cola, cured meat, bresaola, blackberry and currant. The mouthfeel is dense, chewy and very, very opulent.