The 2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Mazzano is a large-scaled, full-throttle wine loaded with super-ripe dark fruit, mocha, chocolate, leather, grilled herbs and spices. The fruit verges on the edge of over-ripeness, but there is just enough freshness to keep things in check. I don’t envision that the 2003 Mazzano will be a long-distance runner, but it is pretty delicious right now. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2018. This is one of the finest and most consistent set of wines I have tasted from Masi, one of the historic names in Veneto. Importer: Folio Fine Wine Partners, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 256-2700

Offers aromas of prune and date, with a good dose of oak that takes on a coffee grinds character on the palate. Full-bodied and sturdy, with a combination of fruit and oak tannins that give a long, firm finish, carrying a concentrated core of fruit. Mazzano is always a big, chewy wine when young. Needs lots of time. Best after 2011. 1,200 cases made.??–JC??Region: Italy / Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Select to Add

Mazzano is a very special expression of Amarone with seamless integration and persistency. The beauty is that it delivers power and elegance, intensity and sophistication without missing a beat. There are firm tannins here followed by soft layers of spice, leather and ripe fruit. ——M.L.(2/1/2011)—— 94