Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella 2017 (75cl, 15%)

A full-bodied red wine from Valpolicella Classico DOCG, made by Masi Agricola. It is Masi's flagship Amarone, built on traditional appassimento and a Corvina-dominant blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. The grapes dry on bamboo trays for up to 120 days, with Masi's computer-assisted monitoring used to replicate natural drying conditions. The wine is best served at 18°C and decanted for 30 to 60 minutes. The nose opens with red-cherry preserve and ripe plum, then clove, cinnamon and anise, with a subtle smokiness and baked-apple character. The palate is fruit-forward, with dark and red cherries, tapenade-like savoriness, dark chocolate, dried leaves and chili-chocolate spice, kept in balance by acidity. The finish is long and warming, with fondente chocolate, forest-floor earthiness and ripe blackberry.