A stunning wine, the 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Fracastoro shows a unique combination of power and elegance. The 2005 vintage (that I also scored 93 points) was a very different expression due to the warmer nature of the vintage. The 2006, on the other hand, shows greater polish and definition with a linear delivery of bold fruit and spice. This was a much cooler vintage with more pronounced acidity and higher tannins. Thanks to the appassimento process, in which the wine is pressed from raisins instead of fresh grapes, those vintage differences are reduced in a wine of this magnitude, extract and thickness.

Released after a considerable cellar-aging, the 2005 Amarone della Valpolicella Fracastoro is a carefully aged Amarone with beautiful aromas of tar, licorice, black licorice, liquid smoke, cassis, dried blackberry and steak sauce. I could see this paired with a succulent cut of beef tenderloin drenched in creamy cognac sauce. It shows, density, complexity heft and staying power. Amarone fares very well in hot vintages like 2005. This magnificent wine is certainly the best I have tasted from the Fracastoro collection. Drink 2014-2022. Importer: Wine Wave, A Vintelligence Company, www.winewave.com