The 2015 Amarone della Valpolicella Morandina does a wonderful job of delivering the intensity of Amarone, but in a savory and balanced style that I'm finding quite attractive. Crushed cherries and stone dust evolve into notes of plum sauce, cloves, sage and dark chocolate. It's velvety in texture yet lifted in feel, coming across as juicy at times, with vibrant acids that excite the palate with mineral-tinged red fruits and sweet spices. This becomes darker and more intense through the finale, revealing tart black currants, herbal tones and a hint of bitter coffee. There's simply so much going on here, with a structure that can carry the 2015 in the cellar for well over a decade. What's more, it shows no sign of its 16.5 abv

Fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea, dried mint and sandalwood transition to a pure beam of ripe raspberry and cherry fruit in this fresh, elegant Amarone. Fine-grained tannins provide a supple frame, firming toward the orange peel-laced finish. Drink now through 2028. 600 cases made, 200 cases imported.