Allegrini’s 2003 Amarone Classico (80% Corvina, 15% Rondinella, 5% Oseleta) reveals a super-opulent, engaging texture packed with sweet cocoa, dark fruit, cassis, blackberries, roasted coffee beans and licorice. It finishes with notable length and surprising finish for the vintage. According to Allegrini the rain that fell in July was critical in maintaining some balance in the wine. This medium to full-bodied wine is an outstanding example of a more restrained, clean style of Amarone. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2013. This is a terrific set of consistently excellent to outstanding wines from Allegrini. Readers will also find a number of value-priced wines that offer notable quality for the money. Importer: Winebow, Hohokus, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Ripe and raisiny on the nose, with floral and mineral notes. Full-bodied, with thick, raisiny fruit, fine fruit-coated tannins and a long mineral finish. Best after 2007. 12,000 cases made, 4,000 cases imported.??–JC??Region: Italy / Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Select to Add

This is a highly intense and thickly extracted wine from one of the area’s most storied producers that boast blockbuster notes of black cherry, chewy fruit comfiture, milk chocolate and vanilla-oak. At the back are interesting bacon highlights.——M.L.(10/1/2007)—— 91