2013 Tommaso Bussola - Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Classico

Colour : Red Producer : Tommaso Bussola Label Name : Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva Classico Country : Italy Region : Veneto Sub Region : Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Variety : Corvina Vintage : 2013 Capacity : 750 ml - Standard Bottle Ratings : James Suckling 96 Pts; Vinous 95 Pts Tasting Notes : Tommaso Bussola is one of the most respected modern producers in Valpolicella. He took over his uncle Giuseppe's small estate in 1977 and transformed it into one of the benchmark wineries of the region. While respecting the traditions of Amarone, Bussola introduced meticulous fruit selection, lower yields and refined élevage to create wines that combine richness with freshness and precision. Today, the estate is run by the Bussola family and is recognised for producing some of the finest Amarone and Valpolicella wines in Italy. The TB Riserva represents Bussola's flagship Amarone and is produced only in exceptional vintages. Grapes are hand-harvested from old hillside vineyards around Negrar, then naturally dried for approximately four months using the traditional appassimento method. Fermentation with indigenous yeasts lasts around 50 days, followed by an extended ageing programme of 66 months—including 48 months in new 500-litre tonneaux and 18 months in large Slavonian oak casks—before additional bottle ageing prior to release. Annual production is limited to around 10,000 bottles. The 2013 vintage is a monumental Amarone, combining immense concentration with remarkable elegance. The bouquet reveals aromas of black cherry, dried plum, fig, walnut, mocha, liquorice, graphite and sweet baking spices. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, offering layers of dark berries, cocoa, espresso, balsamic herbs and dark chocolate, balanced by vibrant acidity and finely sculpted tannins. Despite its richness, the wine remains fresh and precise, finishing with exceptional length and mineral complexity. " Praised its aromas of kirsch, wood smoke, sandalwood, mocha and cocoa. He described the palate as full, beautifully structured and long, calling it a very impressive showing with excellent ageing potential. " -- James Suckling " Noted dried flowers, steeped plums, liquorice and mineral-driven red and blue fruits. He highlighted its silky texture, vibrant acidity and long, grippy finish, describing it as a "roller-coaster-ride Amarone" destined for a long life. " -- Vinous Note: All images are for illustrative purposes only and may not be an exact representation of the product.