The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella captures every bit of potential I sensed when I first tasted it in 2009. The fruit is dark sensual and totally enveloping. Chocolate new leather licorice and spices follow adding further richness and nuance. Everything is in perfect balance but in 2006 the estate's Amarone has an extra gear that propels it into the stratosphere. Ideally this needs a few years in bottle for the tannins to soften but the 2006 is already fabulous and totally delicious. With time in the glass the wine's inner sweetness emerges even more fully while the fruit opens up beautifully. Mint violets and leather lead to tar and smoke on the long finish. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2026. -Antonio Galloni

Very harmonious exhibiting a pure fruit character of strawberry cherry and dried cranberry along with spiced plum gumdrop and sweet smoke notes with a hint of molasses' richness. There's a pleasant tang to the enlivening acidity as supple tannins floral and fragrant herb notes show on the finish. Drink now through 2026.-A.N