The 2008 Valpolicella Superiore Ripassa is a sumptuous wine loaded with dark fruit, espresso, licorice and spices. There is nothing particularly subtle in this blockbuster wine, yet all of the elements come together very nicely. A long, resonant finish rounds things out nicely. This is another absolutely delicous wine for the money. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. Zenato is one of the historic names in Valpolicella. The estate makes a wide range of wines, but truly excels with Amarone. A recent vertical tasting of Zenato’s Amarone Riserva Sergio Zenato going back to 1980 was eye-opening for many reasons, not the least of which was seeing just how well the wines age. Readers will find notes from that tasting on www.erobertparker.com A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Creamy and layered, this subtle red offers flavors of ripe black cherry, candied black currant, aromatic anise and clove, with a hint of bresaola. Shows lovely integration of the supple tannins and acidity. Elegant. Drink now through 2022. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 5,000 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Valpolicella Select to Add