The 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Costasera is significantly darker and richer than the regular Costasera owing to a longer period of drying of the fruit (120 days) and a greater use of French oak barrels. It is a rich, textured wine endowed with impressive concentration in its dark fruit, espresso, mocha, spices and leather. This soft, supple Amarone possesses terrific balance and a round, generous finish. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2020. This is one of the strongest groups of wines I have tasted from Masi - a historic, reference-point producer in these parts - in some time. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700

This Riserva Amarone shows thick density and penetrating aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, leather, spice, cola and cedar wood. The wine is smooth and velvety with sweet and succulent berry flavors on the long fade. ——M.L.(2/1/2011)—— 92