A lovely bag of mixed dried fruit on the nose with currants, cherries, raisins and more exotic fruit, such as dried papaya. Some vanilla pod, too. Full-bodied with generous, mouth-filling flavors, supported by firm, velvety tannins that push the fruit forward through the long, long finish. Always excellent Amarone. Drink or hold.

Zesty, vibrant and exotic, the 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico makes a serious impression with its unique bouquet of dried roses, lime zest, cherry sauce, plums and a dusting of crushed violet candies. It’s silky and pliant in texture, motivated by juicy acids, with a mix of ripe strawberry, pomegranate and cranberry sauce, as balsamic spices and hints of almond come forward toward the close. There is so much going on here, as the 2016 resonates on wild berry fruit and sweet inner florals. This may be a more opulent expression of the vintage, but it’s built to last, and sure to win a lot of fans. -- Eric Guido

Opening to dried fruit and savory spice, the Zenato 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico leaves no doubt that it was made with the appassimento process, which sees grapes turn into raisins before winemaking. The blend is 80% Corvina, 10% Rondinella and Oseleta and Croatina representing the last 10%. The wine is open-knit and slightly oxidative, and this suggests a near or medium-term drinking window. There is a soft dose of sweetness on the close. - Monica Larner

Expressive and beautifully fragrant, with bright hints of violet and tea rose layered among the richer notes of roasted plum, tobacco, dried cherry and loamy earth. Fresh and finely balanced, this medium- to full-bodied version ends with a chewy finish loaded with zesty ground spice. Drink now through 2029. – AN