“This Amarone gives aromas of black cherries, red cherries, and dried and fresh violets—a back-and-forth of freshness and richness that is truly exquisite. As it opens sweet and savory spices dance across the fruit with subtle hints of earth and coffee. Rich but with grace, the palate shows black plum but balances the lushness with vibrant acidity. Firm tannins from the oak will resolve in a few years.”

'“This is dark, sultry and almost animalistic in nature, as crushed fall leaves and earth tones open the experience, giving way to masses of macerated black cherries, cedar shavings, spiced cookies and a lifting hint of camphor. It floods the palate with velvety textures while maintaining fantastic energy, as stimulating acidity adds unexpected vibrancy, and tart wild berries slowly saturate.”

“The malty oak is evident, yet operates as a welcome adjunct to corral and compress the swashbuckle of coffee grinds, beef bouillon, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur, into a sheath of tension as much as sheer power. This may seem obvious initially, but as one works it out in the glass and across the inner gums, the multitudinous layers become evident. A wine that shape-shifts and beguiles, as much it wrestles with the senses.”

“A dark, brooding red that effortlessly marries a lovely range of kirsch, blackberry paste, dried mint and eucalyptus flavors with fine, sculpted tannins and a rich streak of minerality -- lots of smoke, fresh earth and iron. Shows concentration and power, revealing even greater detail and expression as this opens in the glass, but at the same time this is an exercise in balance and restraint.”