1 | Wine | Other Red, $50 to $100

"Impenetrable ruby red with purplee glints. Wild berries, hints of wood and minerals on fragrances of liquorice, black pepper, tobacco, spices and chocolate. Well-balanced, very intense, persistent and full-bodied and robust; to be consumed more than 5 years after harvest."

"Deep purple-tinged ruby. Grapey, deep aromas of stewed plum, raisin, date and cocoa explode from the glass. Rich, smooth and very dense, with wonderfully tactile flavors similar to the aromas. This very pure Amarone finishes creamy-sweet but fresh, thanks to sound acidity. An extremely successful entry-level Amarone made from grapes that were air-dried for roughly four months."

"The 2007 Taurasi Radici boasts stunning richness, depth and power, yet remains relatively accessible and approachable for such a young Taurasi. Juicy dark cherries, cinnamon, plums, spices, incense, tobacco and a myriad of aromas and flavors saturate the palate as this big, textured wine opens up in the glass. Despite its considerable richness and plushness, the 2007 never loses its classical sense of structure. If that combination sounds appealing, believe me, it is. This is a flat-out stunner from Mastroberardino. Best of all, it will drink beautifully pretty much right out of the gate."

"The 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico is flat-out gorgeous. The 2004 is a superb, elegant Amarone graced with expressive dark red fruit, flowers, tobacco and spices, all supported by finessed, silky tannins. Sweet roses, tar and licorice are woven into the layered, sublime finish. Deceptively medium in body, the 2004 has the stuffing to age well for decades. This is a terrific showing from Bertani."

"The 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico boasts fabulous intensity and richness. This is an especially heady, port-like Amarone imbued with tons of depth. Chocolate, black cherries, leather and spices wrap around the serious, palate-staining finish. The 2007 needs quite a bit of time, but it is hugely promising. Readers who appreciate a big, powerful style of Amarone will love Zenato’s 2007."

"The 2005 Rosso del Conte has put on significant weight since I first reviewed it in The Wine Advocate last year. The 2005 has grown into a big, generous red packed with perfumed fruit. Stylistically it is a wine that relies on sheer power over subtlety; but the balance and sense of harmony are nevertheless superb."

"A ripe, velvety red, with a fine frame of supple tannins, displaying flavors of prune, kirsch, bitter herbs and loamy earth, with just a hint of savory-sweet sun-dried tomato. There's a subtle juiciness, with a sweet, smoky note that builds toward the long finish."