May 2017 - Monica Larner - Here is a bold and opulent red wine from Northeast Italy. The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico opens to a tarry-black color and dense extraction. This warm vintage feels even richer and denser still. The bouquet reveals dark prune, spice, leather and tobacco. The wine shows some bitterness in the mouth with a thick and penetrating finish that sticks to the sides of your mouth. As you would expect, the finish is long and important in terms of its texture.

Deep ruby-red. Strong note of herbs, quinine and roasted red fruit on the nose. Then fresher and cleaner with lovely floral flavors of red cherry and spicy herbs. Finishes long with youthfully chewy tannins. This will reward cellaring for a few years still.

A harmonious red, integrating fine-grained tannins and an aromatic overtone of fresh herb and spice box with flavors of crushed black cherry and blackberry, smoky espresso and fig cake. Medium- to full-bodied, with a lovely, creamy finish. Drink now through 2028. 

A rich and layered red with chocolate, berry and cherry character. Spicy undertone. Hints of dried rose petal. Full body, layered and very fruity. Dried fruits, too. Finishes with chocolate and hazelnut. It's all about balance. Drink or hold.

Aromas of black currant, blue flower, tilled soil, menthol and cedar take center stage. The dense palate delivers mature black cherry, crushed raspberry, mocha, vanilla, nutmeg and a confectionery note. Velvety tannins provide the framework. Drink through 2022.