Masi - Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Campolongo di Torbe 2012
Deep ruby red in colour, impenetrable. Elegant and complex aromas of fruit preserved in spirit and spices on the nose. A firm and well balanced structure comes through on the palate, with smooth and silky tannins, and an ample level of alcohol well integrated into the whole. Long and intense on the finish with hints of cherries preserved in spirit and spices.
Ideal drunk on its own after dinner. Also very good with red meats, game, quail and other tasty dishes. Excellent with mature cheeses such as parmesan and pecorino. The softness of the wine apparent in some years makes it a good match with gorgonzola.
Blend: 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, 5% Molinara
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
This important wine pours from the bottle with very rich and attractive concentration and a sultry dark garnet color. The Masi 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Campolongo di Torbe certainly knows how to make a grand statement. Density and elegance, power and balance all come into play no matter how contradictory those descriptors might appear. This wine pulls it off, and it also manages to hide some of the overt ripeness and heaviness that commonly appeared in other wines from this very hot and dry vintage. You sense that the fruit is ripe, for sure, but the wine does not reveal too much sweetness. In fact, the finish is quite dry and even that 16% alcohol is well managed. The blend is 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. The wine ages in traditional Veronesi casks (measuring 600-liters) for three years. The personality of Campolongo di Torbe is dry, austere and strong. It's always a toss-up every year that I taste these wines, but in 2012, I prefer this wine over the Mazzano.
James Suckling: 95 Points
Lots of dried berries, leaves, violets and lavender with some sandalwood on the nose. It’s full-bodied with chewy, rich tannins and plenty of fruit to coat them. It’s layered and flavorful. Pretty now, but another year or two will make it even better.
Wine Enthusiast: 95 Points
Underbrush, ripe black-skinned fruit, purple flower and baking spice are just some of the aromas you'll find on this velvety, savory red. Smooth and concentrated, it's also weightless, doling out succulent black cherry, baked plum, licorice and tobacco set against enveloping, polished tannins. Drink through 2030.
Cellar Selection
