Sponsored Wine Review: Masi Costasera Amarone Classico 2009

In The Glass: Deep dark ruby in color with youthful, translucent purple at the edges.  Pretty.
Nose: Wet leather, earth, mushroom with plum and cherry.
Palate: Tight tannins wrap a big-boned acid core though which come juicy berries and flint.
Finish: Cinnamon and cocoa hint during the long finish.
Overall: Let this wine breathe if you open it any time between now and 2018! It was incredibly tight in the beginning, betraying its relative youth.  But after 90 minutes open and breathing this Amarone relaxed a bit and the flavors, crafting and quality were incredible.  Even so, the wine is drinking young now.  Its multi-layered nose and mid-palate flavors have huge promise for aging over the next 5 years.  It is worthwhile to purchase a case (or even a half-case) and open one bottle a year just to see how this magnificent wine comes together.

Because this is a sponsored wine review, we received this wine at no charge.  However, it retails for an average of $53 with a SRP of $70.  However, some local stores may have it on special for under $30 (if so, pick up several, it's a steal!)

Here is what Masi says about their 2009 Costasera Amarone: the estate’s specialty -- to produce this unique Amarone, Masi combines ancient varieties (Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara) and winemaking methods (vinifying grapes semi-dried on racks for 3-4 months) with the latest techniques: bamboo racks in temperature- and humidity-controlled conditions induce natural drying; selective exposure to botrytis cinerea (‘noble rot’); strictly controlled fermentations through the use of Saccharomyces bayanus, a rare yeast that produces high alcohol. This deep ruby-red wine has powerful, complex aromas of dried plums and balsamic (anise, fennel, mint) traces. Quite dry (not sweet) on the palate, soft and with bright acidity, the wine shows flavors of baked cherry, chocolate and cinnamon. Structured but noble, delicate tannins precede a long finish.

Sponsored Wine Review: Masi Campofiorin 2009 by Billy

From time to time, The Wine Cask Blog receives wine for review.  We always label these as "sponsored wine reviews".  This is one such review

Nose: Earthiness and even some leather spice scents predominate the nose of blueberry and cherry blossom.  There are floral notes that play nicely with the earthy notes.
Palate: Juicy mouth feel with light tannins and light acids but a subtle structure that ties it all together.
Finish: Brief finish that is un-presuming.
Overall: This is a very easy drinking Italian red wine.  It's straight-forward character is easy on the mouth and pairs well with almost anything.  It is light bodied enough to go with lighter fare but with a fun and engaging nose that gives elegance to anything it accompanies.

Because this is sponsored, we did not pay for the wine.  However, it retails for anywhere from $12-$18.  It is a good deal at the lower price points and a great, open it up whenever, red.

Here is what Masi says about the 2009 Campofiorin:
The original “Supervenetian”,  is a specialty wine made from  local Veronese grapes Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, vinified and then re-fermented with a small percentage of semi-dried grapes of the same varieties.  This versatile wine shows generous, ripe aromas of plum and cherry jam, with hints of spice. Bold and rich flavors of bitter cherries and berry fruits stand out, with good acidity, balance and velvety tannins.

Montes 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Rich earthy nose, dark pulpy cherry and plum with herbal chocolate

Palate: soft tannin and more dark cherry flavors with good balance that doesn't bite.

Finish: herbs and cinnamon on the medium-long finish.

Overall: A solid Cab from Chile.  I paid about $13 for this wine at a local store.  It opened well after breathing.  Paired with simple baked ziti and Italian garlic bread.

Gascon Malbec 2009 wine review by billy

Nose: dark berry nose with okay hints
Palate: plush mouth feel with big and full blueberry notes
Finish: more lingering berry
Overall: this wine is from Don Miguel Gascon in Mendoza Argentina.  It is big and fruity and very full bodied.  It has the weight of a shiraz but the accessibility of a fruity wine.  It trades spiciness for big thick fruit while retaining a soft and round tannin profile.  A fine fruit-forward Argentinian Malbec.

Sean Minor 4 Bears Carneros 2009 Pinot Noir Sponsored wine review by Billy

Nose: juicy raspberry ans strawberry, fresh and lively with italian basil notes.
Palate: lush, ripe juiciness, good light structure in the mouth that stays agile and alive without weighing the wine down.
Finish: earthy notes on the back provide an elegant finish to this young Pinot Noir.
Overall: thanks to the crew at Sean Minor for providing this 2009 Carneros Pinot Noir to the Wine Cask Blog free for review. The wine is very easy drinking, light in body and fruity in character. It is incredibly "juicy" making it both fun and easy to drink.

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Oberon Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2009 Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

Nose:Heavy tropical fruit on the nose (pineapple and apricot and lemon)
Palate: Dry with medium acids that make this a good pairing for buttery dishes and cream sauce meals.
Finish:lingering tropical fruit acid notes.
Overall: Thanks to Susanne Bergstrom from the Folio Fine Wine Partners group for providing the review samples. This wine can be found widely (if it is not at your local wine store ask the manager for it). It retails for anywhere from $12 - $16. Overall this is a nice example of fruity Sauvignon Blanc. The citussy acid character presents well and should be best served with a buttery complement. There are many different styles of Sauvignon Blanc wines from around the world. This Napa Valley white wine is a nice example of a tropical fruit style.

Raise a Glass!

Latium Morini Campo le Calle Soave 2009 sponsored wine review by Billy

Nose: After some time and exposure to air this white wine's nose opens and softens with Honey and Fig notes underpinning crisp hay and citrus
Palate: crisp with delightful acid core. Citrussy notes and peachy character.
Finish: rounded mouth feel with melon notes and a very long lasting minerally finish
Overall:Thanks to Amy from Colangelo & Partners PR for thinking of us at The Wine Cask Blog and providing us the samples to review. This Soave wine is 100% Garganega grapes. According to research the Garganega grapes are dried for several days before wine making beings. This concentrates the flavors and sugars and brings out the honey notes in this delightful white wine. It will pair well with holiday meals and provide a very nice alternative that white your uncle pulled out from under the cabinet. I have seen this 2009 Latium Soave available online for anywhere from $12-$20 which is a very reasonable price.

Raise a glass!

Masi Masianco 2009 Sponsored Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Lightly acidic nose with summer flower bouquet, minerals and lemon notes.
Palate: Spry acids make this very lively and crisp. Even and balanced. Dry, Refreshing and light.
Finish: Short and dry. cleansing to the palate. Like summer time in the shade. Summer fruit notes tease at the back of a nice clean finish - nectarine skins and lemon infused water.
Overall: This wine was sent to The Wine Cask Blog for free in order for us to review it. Thanks to Folio Wine Partners for providing the samples. I have seen this wine sell for anywhere from $12 to $15 here in the states. For an interesting Italian white blend, this is a fair price. On sale, this is a must buyThis is a blend of Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo grapes. According to the wine making notes the Verduzzo grapes are partially dried after harvest and blending with the Pinot Grigio. This concentrates the flavor and sugars in the grape and makes a very nice Pinot Grigio alternative.

While others have noted more tropical fruits and a long finish, I find that the crispness and cleanness of the Masi Masianco 2009 is enhanced with a short and enthusiastic finish. Whatever your palate is telling you, raise a glass!

Raise a Glass!

Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 Bouchard Aine & Fils Wine Review by Billy

Nose: Creamy Cherry and blueberry
Palate:Soft tannins and acids make this quite accessible and easy going down. Not as much body as the others tasted.
Finish: blueberry.
Overall: A wonderfully fruity and easy drinking celebration wine. This wine sells for about 10-11 dollars but I got it for 6! Raise a Glass!

Labouré-Roi Beaujolais Nouveau 2009 Wine Review by Billy

Happy Beaujolais Nouveau Day! This third Thursday of November is Beaujolais Nouveau Day where Gamay grapes that were grown this year, made into wine this year, bottled this year then sold and ideally consumed TODAY! This is proof once again that wine is wonderful.
Nose: Tart Cherry Pixi Stix aroma
Palate: tart and fun. Crisply acidic with a tannin burst at the end. Tartness softens with a bit of breathing (10-15 minutes)
Finish: short and spiked with tart candied cherry.
Overall: Beaujolais Nouveau Day is a cause for celebration. Raise a Glass and do so with friends! For reference, I paid $11 for this wine.