2015 Amarone della Valpolicella

Dark, floral, elegant and surprisingly savory, the 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico makes itself known as crushed stone gives way to a dusting of confectioner’s sugar, dried flowers, black cherries, plums and hints of licorice. This is velvety yet cool-toned and spry, with a staining mix of red and black fruits contrasted by sweet spices, as bitter hints of espresso bean and round tannins collect toward the close. A twang of balsamic-tinged blackberry and violets echoes through the long-drawn-out finale. Youthfully structured and still a bit reserved, but there are layers of primary complexities to keep the experience highly enjoyable today. That said, the best is yet to come.