The 2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Pergole Vece is made for the estate’s oldest vineyards and is aged for 36 months in French oak. It shows the heat of the vintage in slightly forward suggestions of dark fruit tobacco, smoke, spices and leather. Balsamic notes develop in the glass adding further complexity to this soft-textured Amarone. This doesn’t look to be an especially long-lived wine and I would choose to drink it sooner rather than later. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2013. I was very impressed with the wines I tasted from Le Salette this year. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

There's a light bitter edge to the raisiny fruit right from the start. The nose follows through to a dense, full-bodied palate, with well-integrated tannins and a slightly austere finish. Has a compact, muscular structure and intense spicy fruit. Needs time to mellow. Best after 2010. 5,450 cases made, 150 cases imported.??–JC??Region: Italy / Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Select to Add

This first-rate Amarone by Franco Scamperle earns an A for typicity and intensity. The aromas are enticing and pristine, with nuances of forest berry, red apple, chocolate, espresso, resin, chopped herbs and cherry pie. It boasts a lively ruby color, spice-driven flavors (the wine ages three years in barrique) and excellent persistence in the mouth.——M.L.(10/1/2007)—— 95