The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella is a savory and meaty wine with brawn and spice followed by thick tones of black fruit, tar and licorice. You get a good window on the appassimento process in which clusters lose about 30% of their water weight thanks to air drying before going into the press. This expression is woven tight with intensity, thick texture and an upfront 16.5% alcohol content. This is a very powerful wine from a classic vintage. The tannins stand out with extra firmness and dryness. This is a 11,700-bottle release.

Rich notes of warm brown bread, date and coffee liqueur are accented by hints of tangy dried cranberry and fragrant dried thyme in this dense, savory red. It's full-bodied, with chalky tannins and a streak of smoky mineral defining the lasting finish. Best from 2023 through 2028. 900 cases made, 200 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Amarone della Valpolicella Select to Add

Pouring from the bottle with a beautifully dark and concentrated appearance, the Roccolo Grassi 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella (made with 65% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 15% Rondinella and 5% Croatina) is super rich and ripe with syrupy aromas of cherry liqueur, pressed blackberry and crème de cassis. Production is 10,300 bottles, and 80% of the wine is aged in barrique, of which 20% is new. The rest goes into botte grande. The sticky ripeness is what stands out most, and this is a wine that will appeal to those who love the heft and power (with a whopping 17% alcohol content) in their Amarone. It's a lot to take in.

This medium- to full-bodied red offers savory grilled herb, smoke and olive notes layered with sweet sun-dried cherry and prune flavors. Balanced, with a chewy finish. Drink now through 2023. 966 cases made, 340 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Amarone della Valpolicella Select to Add

Despite its age, the 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella remains quite fresh and buoyant throughout. This is a very classic expression from the Valpolicella with plenty of soft and sweet fruit to offset all that tangy mesquite and spice. The Roccolo Grassi house blend is 60% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 20% Rondinella and 5% Croatina. The grapes saw 90 days of appassimento, which is on the short side for this appellation. That shorter dehydration time explains why this wine is so balanced and youthful. The 16.5% alcohol forces you into a heavier food pairing, such as fondue with melted raclette. Some 12,700 bottles were made.