2012 Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva

The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva shows depths of dark exotic spice, mocha, dried cherries, cloves, tobacco and a lifting hint of camphor. This is texturally deep and surprisingly fresh, washing velvety textures across the palate while delivering masses of ripe red and even black fruits, all infused by saline-mineral tones under an air of balsam herbs that forms toward the close. This is hedonism at its best without being sweet. It tapers off long and staining, leaving a gentle buzz of alcoholic warmth that doesn’t take away from the experience at all. Simply stunning. The 2012 Riserva is a parcel from within the Case Vecie vineyard. It’s not to be missed.