Lots of complexity comes through from the outset on the nose, borne out in terms of smoky black cherries, dried rose stems, asphalt, tar and licorice. Full, structured body that dives through layers of dark fruit, driven along by active acidity all the way to the long but not cloying finish.

The Masi 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Costasera is a plump and rich wine that portrays the opulent characteristics of this hot vintage. Dark blackberry is followed by sweet tobacco, baking spice, tar or resin. This beautiful Amarone glides smoothly over the palate imparting dense extraction and dark fruit flavors along the way. The wine has the natural constitution to hold strong for the next decade.

Light, grippy tannins frame this medium- to full-bodied red, which leans toward the traditional style, with a firm structure and notes of cured tobacco and forest floor. Well-knit and silky on the palate, offering ripe crushed cherry and tarry smoke notes.

Notes of salted caramel and bitter chocolate swirl through this wine’s flavors of baked plum and sour cherry. The wine feels rich and velvety, yet finishes dry and spicy.