January 21, 2012

North Shore Wine Tasting Group, Amore e Amarone, Swampscott, MA

2005 Riondo Amarone della Valpolicella
A plump and generous Amarone that will appeal to those who like big, bold wines. In the mouth, it is accented by sweet berry flavors; there are pretty nuances of spice, cola, mesquite wood and cedar. Wine Enthusiast Rated 90

2007 Corte Majoli Amarone della Valpolicella
Do not pass go, head straight to the display for this classic value-laden Amarone. Savour the warm aromas of ripe fruit, dried berries, chocolate-coated caramel and cedar. Dry, medium bodied, the texture is like satin across the palate, the balance exquisite and the layers of flavours fascinating—from ripe red fruit, through bittersweet chocolate and a toffee-like note and exotic spice. The finish is warm, fruity and so tasty, you just want more. Savour it with an aged Pecorino. 4.5 stars winecurrent.com

2005 Bertani Amarone della Valpolicella Villa Arvedi
Villa Arvedi Amarone is produced from vine-yards in the hills of the Valpantena Valley, a distinctive ‘cru’ within Italy’s Valpolicella district. In classic Amarone fashion, grapes are handpicked and laid out to dry for several months before pressing. Villa Arvedi is full-bodied, with vibrant flavors of ripe cherries, raisins, almonds and spice against a backdrop of smooth, supple tannins. bottleshop.com

2006 Farina Amarone della Valpolicella
This delivers the style you expect of amarone: rich, dense and layered flavours, good acid balance, a dry and mouth-filling texture, all supported by a good tannic scaffolding. It’s well made and is ready for drinking now or shortmedium-term cellaring. winealign.com

2003 Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
Allegrini’s 2003 Amarone Classico (80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta) reveals a super-opulent, engaging texture packed with sweet cocoa, dark fruit, cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee beans and licorice. It finishes with notable length and surprising finish for the vintage. According to Allegrini the rain that fell in July was critical in maintaining some balance in the wine. This medium to full-bodied wine is an outstanding example of a more restrained, clean style of Amarone. This is a terrific set of consistently excellent to outstanding wines from Allegrini. Readers will also find a number of value-priced wines that offer notable quality for the money. Rated 92 The Wine Advocate

2005 Musella Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva
Aromas of violet and raspberry follow through to a full body, with firm tannins and a medium finish. Very tight, even austere, on the finish. Needs a year or two more of bottle age. Best after 2011. Wine Spectator