The 2011 Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore is a dense and thickly textured red wine that would stand up to wintery dishes or the strong flavors of lamb or game meat. The bouquet opens to prune, black currant, tobacco, balsam herb and anisette-like freshness. It shows firm power and heft in the mouth. Drink 2014-2017. Alberto Vaona farms ten hectares of vines located on hillsides that range from a comfortable 200 to 250 meters above sea level, trained with both the traditional Pergola and Guyot systems. The selection of top Amarones that carry the Pegrandi designation are consistently among the best in the region. Importer: Premium Brands Inc., www.paoloboselli.com