A refined Recioto, with a creamy note of chocolate-covered cherry mixing with juicy acidity and silky texture. A balsamic hint adds a pleasant tang to the wine, along with notes of fig paste, spice and plum that show a touch of coffee liqueur. The finish is long and polished. Drink now through 2018. 400 cases made, 80 cases imported.??–AN??Region: Italy / Recioto della Valpolicella Classico Select to Add

The 2008 Recioto della Valpolicella is loaded with mocha, black cherries, plums, espresso and spices. I very much like the underlying energy and focus, both of which serve to balance the intense fruit quite nicely. Sweet perfumed notes wrap around the long, satisfying finish. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. Brigaldara can be counted on for exuberant, flashy wines. With time some of the lushness that is present upon release melts away and the wines acquire lovely complexity. Recent bottles of the estate’s 1986 and 2001 were superb. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2007 Recioto della Valpolicella Classico is a big, concentrated offering loaded with jammy dark fruit, bitter chocolate, licorice and spices. Made in a powerful, authoritative style, this moderately sweet Recioto offers outstanding length and fine, chalky tannins to round out the finish. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907

The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico from Brigaldara shows gorgeous inner sweetness and perfume in a mid-weight, approachable style. Sweet red cherries, flowers, mint and rosemary come together nicely in the glass. Floral notes linger on the clean, minerally finish. This is an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next few years. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2022. Importer: Vinifera Imports, Ronkonkoma, NY; tel. (631) 467-5907