The 2009 Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore Ca del Laito is an irresistibly thick and densely concentrated wine that is immensely soft and pleasurable in the mouth. It imparts dark berry, tar, black licorice, spice, brown sugar and leather. The blend is 60% Corvina and Corvinone, 30% Rondinella and 10% Molinara and the wine ages 30 months in traditional botte grande. The wine wraps thickly over the palate. Drink 2014-2018. The Bussola family has been producing top-notch Amarone for decades. In a truly touching family tradition, some of the older wines are named “BG” after uncle Giuseppe Bussola who founded the estate and adopted a traditional winemaking style. Recent expressions are named “TB” after Tommaso Bussola who is responsible for winemaking since 1983 and represents a modernist style. This flight of new releases, particularly the trio of 2007 Amarones, is exceptional. Tommaso’s sons Paolo and Giuseppe have both recently joined the winemaking efforts. Importer: The Rare Wine Co., www.rarewineco.com