Bertani : Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2015

This elegant red shows lovely length and integration and feels fresh and focused despite its 10 years of aging on release. Mineral-driven, with an underpinning of iron and loamy earth to the mix of dried cherry and red currant fruit, bitter herb, cocoa powder, and singed orange peel notes. Fine, taut tannins firm the well-spiced finish. Corvina and Rondinella. Best from 2027 through 2040. 5,000 cases made, 1,350 cases imported.

A bold statement of hedonistic pleasure, this late-release Amarone cranks up every dial to maximum impact. Picture the richest pie filling imaginable, swirled with jammy preserves and cream, all woven into a luxuriously viscous texture. The extended bottle age has worked its magic, wrapping all this intensity in silk sheets, though subtlety isn't in this wine's vocabulary. For those who embrace the "more is more" philosophy, this delivers pure, unrestrained pleasure with the confidence of a rock star at full volume.

Comforting aromas of dusty wood, dried red fruits, dark chocolate and some subtle floral lift lead to a superbly textural and airy palate which gives energy and space to the concentrated red and black fruits. Breezy and fragrant, lifted and poised, it's a masterclass of harmony and elegance, with a lovely salty edge and some crunchy berries. The complexity will come with time.

A vivid ruby color with a garnet tinge and a super-restrained nose of licorice, oak bark, smoke, wood, cigar box, leather, dark chocolate, crushed violets and prunes. Freshness and subtlety. Full-bodied and elegant on the palate thanks to ripe, filigree tannins, long acidity, and a toasty, savory finish. One of the great Amarone. Corvina and Rondinella. Ready to drink now, but built for the long haul.

Cedary spices mix with shavings of dark chocolate and crushed black raspberries as the 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico entices from the glass. Cool-toned and crisp, it offers silken textures offset by depths of tart red berry fruits and balsamic tones. A pleasantly bitter sensation puckers the cheeks, as fine tannins saturate and nuances of sour citrus fade. Despite the warm vintage, Bertani has found a beautiful balance in its 2015 Amarone.