Le Ragose Riserva Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2011

Matured in large Slavonian oak, with a chord of dense, pliant tannins corralling riffs of mint, bitter cherry, sage, dried thyme and kirsch. A sheath of power, compressed by assiduous tannin management and a skein of uncanny freshness. The finish is sumptuous and driven. A bitter twist of quinine, herbal amaro and cardamon pod, with Indian spice and green olive accentuate this gorgeous expression. Drink or hold. Score – 96. (Ned Goodwin, MW, jamessuckling.com, May 9, 2023)