Bertani Amarone 2012, 2013, 2015 Library Vertical 3-Pack

2012 Vintage:
Wow. Such a complex nose, with a base of dried cherry, spruced up with hints of mild coffee and walnuts. Then there are dried flowers, wild herbs and spices, such as tarragon and cloves. Subtle hints of dried banana and apricot, too. The palate is full, super sleek, intense and well-balanced, with tight, spice-coated tannins that drive everything forward. Long, long finish. Lovely to taste now, but this already almost ten-year-old will sit comfortably in your cellar for a long while yet. -98 Pts, James Suckling

2013 Vintage:
The current-release 2013 vintage features a nose of dried cherries combined with spice and smoke, adding a savoury element. The tannins are still tight but fine-grained, and balanced by the firm, linear acidity. There’s weight and breadth on the palate due to the immense fruit concentration, with a persistent finish. Elegant and poised. -98 Pts, Decanter

A super, dense core of mixed dried berries, together with notes of caramel and a mix of mild Indian spices, from coriander to mace. Full-bodied with a liqueur-like bead of fruit that’s riding abundant but well-integrated tannins through the long, long finish. Excellent and so fresh. Delicious to drink now, or in your centenary year! -97 Pts, James Suckling

2015 Vintage:
“A vivid ruby color with a garnet tinge and super-restrained nose of licorice, oak bark, smoke, wood, cigar box, leather, dark chocolate, crushed violets and prunes. Freshness and subtlety. Full-bodied and elegant on the palate due to ripe, filigree tannins with long acidity and a toasty, savory aftertaste. One of the great Amarones. Corvina and Rondinella. Ready to drink now, but intended for the long haul.”-100 Pts, James Suckling