Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG, Monte Castelon, 2019

This is an exceptional example of Amarone with a colossal level of extract and layers of complexity including wild rose, hawthorn, wild strawberry, bramble, cooked plum, incense, raspberry jam, cinnamon, liquorice, fig, and black cherry. The balance in this wine is astonishing with the alcohol never taking centre stage and rather providing a lovely backdrop for the huge amount of concentration. Acidity and tannins are also high but – again – they just help float the fruit along to a seemingly endless finish. This is a real tour de force but nowhere near ready to drink. 2027–2032–MP