The 2008 Valpolicella Superiore Campi Magri comes across as a touch delicate in this vintage. Cherries, anise and sweet spices flow from this supple, beautifully balanced Valpolicella. I wouldn’t wait too long on the Campi Magri as it is unlikely to ever be more delicious than it is today. The Campi Magri is made with the ripasso method, where the wine undergoes a secondary maceration on the skins left over from the vinification of the Amarone. The wine is aged in casks made from cherry instead of oak, which is quite unusual. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2016. Proprietor Marinella Camerani can be counted on for wines of true character and personality. Organic farming and minimal handling in the cellar are some of the core principles that inform the house style at Corte Sant’Alda.Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

This Ripasso-method Valpolicella is aged for two years in cherry wood to add complexity and intensity to its aromatic bouquet. You’ll recognize tones of cola, dark spice, mature fruit, cassis and bitter almond. ——M.L.(12/1/2011)—— 88

The 2007 Valpolicella Superiore Campi Magri offers up sweet scents of dark cherries, tobacco, dried herbs, licorice and leather. The Campi Magri relies more on elegance and restraint rather than sheer power to make its case, which it does convincingly. This delicate, polished Valpolicella is best enjoyed while the fruit retains its vibrancy. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2015. This is a sublime set of wines from Corte Sant’Alda. The estate has made notable wines for some time, but this year I was especially struck by the elegance of the entire range.Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799

Campo Magri is a bright and lively Valpolicella Superiore with crisp tones of cherry and wild berry backed by slight smoke and spice. The natural acidity will cut through the density or ossobuco or beef stew. ——M.L.(2/1/2011)—— 88

The 2006 Valpolicella Superiore Campi Magri is an utterly irresistible wine. A sweet, inviting bouquet leads to a gorgeous, expressive core of perfumed dark fruit. The wine shows exceptional length on the palate and a long, refined finish. This is a wonderful, joyous effort from Corte Sant’Alda. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2014. Corte Sant’Alda and proprietor, Marinella Camerani excel with bold, powerful Valpolicellas and Amarones. Camerani was among the producers who decided against bottling an Amarone in 2005, but readers will find much to admire here, especially the 2006 Valpolicellas, which are beautiful.Importer: Domaine Select, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799