97 James Suckling
Very full and structured, but very juicy and fresh as a daisy. You wouldn’t believe this was in it’s 14th year, which is proof of the durability of Amarone, but more so of the excellence of this wine. A compact bead of currant and date runs untarnished through the wine, supported by abundant tannins that are well sunk in. The finish is very long. Enjoy now or cellar for many a year.
96 Vinous
For all of its intensity and depth, the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva La Mattonara is remarkably fresh. It mixes medicinal cherry and crushed blackberry with sweet balsam herbs and hints of cocoa. This is opulence personified, impossibly rich and velvety, mixing both savory and sweet while saturating the senses with wild berry preserves contrasted by sour citrus. A wall of tannin grips the palate through the finale; yet throughout, this remains fresh, leaving lavender and clove to linger. The 2009 is a caged beast, as well as a total beauty.
96 Vinous
For all of its intensity and depth, the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva La Mattonara is remarkably fresh. It mixes medicinal cherry and crushed blackberry with sweet balsam herbs and hints of cocoa. This is opulence personified, impossibly rich and velvety, mixing both savory and sweet while saturating the senses with wild berry preserves contrasted by sour citrus. A wall of tannin grips the palate through the finale; yet throughout, this remains fresh, leaving lavender and clove to linger. The 2009 is a caged beast, as well as a total beauty.