The 1995 Valpolicella is an amazing effort, with an opaque dark ruby color, as well as an explosive nose of smoke, earth, jammy berry and blackberry fruit, great richness and purity, full body, and abundant glycerin and intensity. Remarkably, there is little evidence of new oak, even though the wine spent 36 months in barrel before being bottled without filtration. It tips the scales at a whopping 14.5% alcohol, high for Valpolicella. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

Amazing Valpo. Aristocratic. Wonderful, with black currant, berry and mint aromas and flavors. Medium- to full-bodied, with polished tannins and a long, sweet, fruity aftertaste. Builds on your palate. Still needs time. Best after 2002. 1,350 cases made.??–JS??Region: Italy / Valpolicella Select to Add