Bussola is one of the top producers in Amarone and the top producer I can still afford (after Quintarelli and Dal Forno). This was an older bottle that was just singing. It had been stood up for a week and then decanted just prior to serving. It continued to open up for the next couple of hours. Really a gorgeous wine. Purple in color with ruby swirls. The nose is great. Dusty at first, that gave way to slight craisins, cherries with some underlying smoke and even a bit of dried flowers. With more air, a chocolate/caramel note comes out; almost sweet. On the palate, this is still lively and though showing some maturity, not old or tired. Medium bodied. Nice cherry fruit over some tobacco, dust and slight raisin note. Great acidity. Long finish. Went incredibly well with an assortment of pasta and other Italian dishes, but especially with some roasted Brussels Sprouts. Well stored bottles should easily go another decade.
