Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2018

Ripe plum, blue flower and spice aromas lift out of the glass in this full-bodied red. The smooth, concentrated palate boasts a weightless elegance, delivering blackberry compote, ripe Morello cherry, licorice and baking spice framed in enveloping, velvety tannins. Drink 2022-2031.

There's a dark, mineral-driven complexity to the 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico that keeps you coming back to the glass over and over again. Sometimes it's licorice, sometimes blackberry or maraschino cherry, but always backed by a mix of autumnal spice, sour citrus and hints of animal musk that intrigue the senses. Velvety-smooth and almost creamy in weight, as sweet red fruits flesh out, taking on nuances of violet candies and cloves toward the close. This is pure elegance, dense yet balanced, and delivering a layer of fine tannins that linger long, as hints of bitter coffee and dark chocolate slowly fade. All of this, and at an amazingly respectable 15.5% abv. Bravo.

An elegant red, medium- to full-bodied and mouthwatering throughout, this layers supple, lightly chalky tannins with a pleasing range of crushed black currant, fresh thyme and minerally salt and iron notes. Bright and polished, with a lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. 12,000 cases made, 1,300 cases imported.