1995 Joseph Moda Amarone Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

This is the tenth vintage of Joe Grilli's Moda Amarone - a style inspired by Italian winemakers of the Valpolicella region. A blend of 90% Cabernet and 10% Merlot, the picked grapes are left out on racks to dry out, reducing their water content and begin to approach a raisin-like composition. These dried grapes are then crushed, producing a dense concentrated, very viscous wine, which is surprisingly exceptionally well integrated. Opaque brick red colour with crimson edges. The nose is magnificent, delivering a range of aromas not usually found in such concentration in Cabernet / Merlot blends. Liquorice, dark chocolateand spicy plum over a smoky oak background. The palate is very concentrated with thick dark chocolate texture and flavour. Ripe plums and liquorice flavours are perfectly integrated with the oak and the fine grained tannin structure. Excellent balance and long smoky chocolate aftertaste. Cellar 10 - 15 years.