2012 Valpolicella Superiore

Terrific concentration belies its Valpolicella Superiore label; this is an Amarone in all but name. Wonderful perfumed aromas of dried cherry, an array of dried flowers and rich black cherry fruit, there is an almost gamey, meaty quality and a Northern Rhone edge too - all offset by lovely vanilla and sweet spice aromas. The palate is silky but structured and beautifully layered. Will further integrate over the next few years but this is wonderfully balanced already.