(Not yet released) The prodigious 1997 Amarone Vigneto Alto TB is reminiscent of Henri Bonneau's 1990 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins. The lofty 16% alcohol is barely noticeable. Yields were a minuscule 20 hectoliters per hectare. Sadly, there are only 300 cases of this extraordinary Amarone. It boasts notes of smoke, truffle oil, blackberries, plums, and earthy, concentrated black currant jam. Layered, thick, full-bodied, and dry, with extraordinary purity as well as definition, it is an amazing achievement. While not for everybody, this is a singular, impeccably balanced wine. Anticipated maturity: now-2020. Importer: Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484

Ripe and borderline bombastic, offering candied strawberry, dried orange and red licorice notes, and spicy accents of star anise, medicinal herb and fig cake, this is round and creamy, a juicy red showing savory hints of salumi and olive along with the fruit and spice elements on the zesty finish. A lot of personality still.—Blind Amarone retrospective (April 2016). Drink now through 2021. 450 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Select to Add