2008 Speri Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigneto Monte Sant'Urbano
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Tasting notes
An aged Amarone of prodigious complexity, strongly reflective of a rich, dry vintage. Little botrytic concerns, but conversely, a year low in acidity. Camphor, Fernet Branca, mint, licorice root, cardamon, pine and a swashbuckle of prune and darker, torrefacted fruits. Loads of power. Not a wine for those seeking finesse. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigneto Monte Sant' Urbano is a real powerhouse. Readers will have to be patient with the 2008. Massive yet nicely integrated tannins support the fruit in a huge, hulking Amarone that holds considerable promise. Mocha, sweet Morello cherries, cloves and crushed rocks emerge over time, but only reluctantly. I can't wait to taste this with a little bottle age. A bottle opened before its tenth birthday is likely to be only partially fulfilling.