- 1999 Mariso Cuomo Costa d'Amalfi Furore Gran Riserva - Italy, Campania, Costa d'Amalfi Furore (8/27/2006)
The reasonably deep claret body, gives way to a tawny rim showing a fair degree of age (albeit not untypical in Italy).
The cork smelled distinctively of chocolate and coffee (I wouldn't normally note this, but it was quite striking)
The fruit remains fresh and clear on the nose with a variety of darker fruits (plum, dark cherry, blackberry and a little blackcurrant with more airing) alongside prominent, but not overpowering oak derived flavours, including mocha coffee and a slightly smoky touch alongside a slightly lemony lift. Some black pepper in there as well. It's certainly a balanced nose of no little complexity.
On the palate the same balance is there between the fruit and oak derived flavours, integrated very nicely. Indeed the fruit itself isn't so prominent lending the wine a subtle savoury feel. Acidity is refreshing, but again in balance. The finish is still a little tannic (albeit fine, creamy textured tannins) and though the wine is otherwise drinking beautifully, suggests that unless drunk with food, this could use 3-5 more years in the cellar (assuming the balance remains).
Very happy with this, though getting hold of another bottle may present a challenge as it's not exported to UK. For those with low oak tolerance, then this might not be ideal for them, but it would be wrong to think of it as "splintery".
Bought from Cantina San Nicola (a hidden gem of a wine bar in Amalfi). Good to see them listed in the latest edition of Fred Plotkins Gourmet traveller book on Italy as they're passionate about both food and wine.
regards
Ian