Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella 1995

Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella 1995: This is an impressively coloured wine. A deep blood red-black hue supporting a very fine sediment. On the nose there is a melding of fine, dark summer berry fruits with nuances of chocolate and vanilla, andmore prominent aromas of tar, undergrowth and pickling spice complexity. On the palate this wine just exudes class. It is structured and elegant, with power and grip but not the obvious sweet and round texture of some other examples of this DOC. It's amazing that this wine has, like many of its ilk, 15% alcohol, as this doesn't show on the palate at all. Clean, ripe berry fruit, and wonderful balance. The tannins show on the finish, and undoubtedly this wine requires more time in the cellar, say three to five years. 18+/20 (5/5/03)