The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella is terrific. Plums, dark cherries, licorice, incense and crushed rocks are some of the notes that emerge from this beautifully nuanced, delineated Amarone. The 2008 is made in a fresh, vibrant style that is very appealing. Clean mineral notes reappear to frame the vibrant, expressive finish. This is another strong showing from Corte Giara. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Corte Giara is the Allegrini’s entry-level range. The wines have improved considerably over the last few years now that the Allegrini family has direct control over all of their vineyard sources. The only wine in the range that is disappointing this year is the 2008 Valpolicella Ripasso. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella from Corte Giara shows terrific intensity and clarity in its dark fruit, coffee, herbs and spices. There is notable richness and depth in the glass, not to mention commendable harmony. This is a big step up from previous years. The 2007 bodes very well for the future. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella is a relatively accessible Amarone with good definition in its fruit and pretty floral notes. There is good balance in the glass, even if some slightly herbal notes are a bit distracting. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2016. Corte Giara is the entry-level label of the Allegrini family.A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Corte Giara’s 2005 Amarone della Valpolicella is a fairly straightforward, easy-going Amarone. It is already rather forward in its expression of leather, spices, tobacco, chocolate and dark fruit, which makes it an excellent choice for drinking over the near-term. This is 70% Corvina Veronses and 30% Rondinella aged in a combination of small and large oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620

Corte Giara’s 2005 Amarone della Valpolicella is a fairly straightforward, easy-going Amarone. It is already rather forward in its expression of leather, spices, tobacco, chocolate and dark fruit, which makes it an excellent choice for drinking over the near-term. This is 70% Corvina Veronses and 30% Rondinella aged in a combination of small and large oak. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. A Leonardo Lo Cascio Selection, Winebow, Montvale, NJ; tel. (201) 445-0620