Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella Case Vecie 2016

The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Case Vecie seduces with a beguiling and lifted mix of crushed stone, dusty rose and bright cherry. This is dark and velvety, moody in feel yet seductive and pliant, simply harmonious, mixing salty minerals and ripe rich red fruits and spices, hints of mocha and inner violet florals. There's simply so much going on here. The 2016 tapers off incredibly long and structured. It's still easy to like today with floral rose and violet tones, along with a bitter twang of balsamic spice. A simply stunning Case Vecie.

Dark raspberry jam and creme de cassis with dried orange peel and preserved plums. There is a hint of fine musk on the palate that marries with the black plums and a bittersweet accent. The tannin is silky and smooth, but still assertive. Very long and nuanced. Amarone warmth here, but really well-poised. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

The Brigaldara 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Case Vecie (made with Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella in almost equal parts) offers a slightly bitter set of aromas and a very savory bouquet with little in the way of primary fruit. The aromas are dried and evolved, showing well for near-term drinking for sure. The wine is very powerful, with a 16.5% alcohol content, and will ultimately prove hard to pair with lighter foods given the enormous power and intensity inherent to this 15,000-bottle release.