Trabucchi d’Illasi Amarone 2012, DOC Amarone della Valpolicella

Not yet rated. Tasting note is for 2011 vintage:

The 2011 Amarone della Valpolicella is decadent and intense, with a seductive display of crushed raspberries, mint and candied citrus gaining further depths, as hints of brown spice and tobacco form up in the glass. This is silky and pliant, with a juicy and vibrant expression of ripe red fruits balanced by tactile mineral tones, as sweet inner florals form toward the close. It finishes much like it starts, focused on ripeness, with a confectionary display of cherry pits, cinnamon and hints of violet candies. This action-packed and fun expression of Amarone tops off at 17% alcohol by volume, yet you’d never know it from tasting it. Well done. - Eric Guido