I ran into aldehydic aromas of dried apple skin in the 2008 vintage and found similar tones in the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico. They are not too pungent now but could worsen with time as the wine continues its evolution. You also get cherry, orange skin and sweet spice. To be on the safe side, I'd assign a much shorter drinking window to this Amarone. In fact, its only appropriate for immediate consumption.

The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico shows oxidative tones of dried apple skin and apricot that mask some of the brighter tones of raspberry and cherry at the back. Sweet prune and raisin flavors wrap around the palate. Better drink this sooner rather than later. Drink 2013-2017. The Cottini family farms eight hectares of vineyard planted to the Pergola Veronese system in the Fumane subzone. Importer: CWS Fine Wine Selection, www.cwswines.com

This elegant Amarone delivers a pretty mineral quality that creates an aura of buoyancy and freshness. It frames the wine’s natural fruit characteristics and the subtle oak shadings. Thanks to its firm tannins and spicy flavors, you could pair it with game meat or beef stews. ——M.L.(12/1/2008)—— 88