Amarone Classico "Costasera", Masi, IT, 2020

A restrained and reductive style, showing aromas of bay leaves, red and black cherries and a whiff of flowers. Full-bodied, it has a compact profile on the palate with ripe and velvety tannins, tight-knit acidity and a superprecise finish. A bit technical and young at the moment but very good.

The 2020 Amarone Classico Costasera takes its time blossoming in the glass. It is dusty and hauntingly dark, with a whiff of dried flowers and crushed rocks that slowly evolve into wild blueberries, shavings of dark chocolate and nuances of mint. Elegant and refined, it has silken textures and a contrasting mix of sour cherries offset by sweet spice and a twang of blood orange. A coating of fine tannins frames the finish as the 2020 leaves savory herbal tones and hints of clove that linger on and on. This is a fantastic vintage for the Costasera, which I expect may get even better with time.

The Masi 2020 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera (made with 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara) shows dark fruit ripeness with meaty cherry and blackberry. Thanks to the younger vintage, you can appreciate the wine's primary intensity. A potent 15% alcohol content and a full-bodied texture sets this bottle up for a pairing with polenta and sausage. Tart cherry appears as a final send-off.