Allegrini's 1998 Amarone boasts an opaque purple color as well as intense aromas of pepper, black cherries, blackberries, asphalt, and truffles. Extremely full-bodied, with lavish concentration, great stuffing, and well-concealed alcohol (15.5%), this stunning Amarone is somewhat primary, but should be at its finest in 2-3 years, and drink well for two decades. It is a worthy successor to their profound 1997. Aged 25 months in 100% new French demi-muids, it is reminiscent of a modern-styled Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape. Bravo! A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Allegrini's 1998 Amarone boasts an opaque purple color as well as intense aromas of pepper, black cherries, blackberries, asphalt, and truffles. Extremely full-bodied, with lavish concentration, great stuffing, and well-concealed alcohol (15.5%), this stunning Amarone is somewhat primary, but should be at its finest in 2-3 years, and drink well for two decades. It is a worthy successor to their profound 1997. Aged 25 months in 100% new French demi-muids, it is reminiscent of a modern-styled Henri Bonneau Chateauneuf du Pape. Bravo!A Leonardo Locascio Selection, Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Dark, broody, with loads of raisin, mineral and tar character. Full-bodied, with fresh, spicy fruit on the palate, big velvety tannins and a long finish. Drink now through 2007. 10,395 cases made, 3,500 cases imported.??–JS??Region: Italy / Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Select to Add

Black as coal and a true powerhouse. The nose dishes out tons of bacon, chocolate, caramel and prune-like fruit. Then comes the regal but complex palate that is much like the liquid version of fruitcake: there’s liqueur, raisins and dark chocolate in abundance. A rich, smooth mouthfeel solidifies it as a dynamite wine. Cellar Selection.——W.E.(5/1/2003)—— 93