Campagnola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico
  'Caterina Zardini' 1997

Campagnola Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 'Caterina Zardini' 1997: A deeply coloured, opaque, garnet black hue. Initially closed, the characterful nose takes some time to open up. When it does it offers up aromas of tar, rose petals, and roasted plum and blackberry fruits, together with some volatile components. It is also quite closed on the palate, but does show an impressive texture and lovely structure. Fine, ripe, supple tannins, which just show a touch of firmness on the finish, are nicely balanced out by a rich, opulent, luscious texture, some extract and correct acidity. It all pulls together to support the 15% alcohol very well as it hardly shows. Wonderful structure. With time some lovely sweet blackberry and blueberry fruit, edged with charcoal and more rose petals begins to show. This will be a delightful glassful if given time to come out of it's shell. Needs another year or two in the cellar before broaching again. 17+/20 (13/5/03)