Le Ragose Riserva Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2013

The Le Ragose estate sits high above the frazione of Arbizzano at Montericco, close to the southern tip of the Negrar valley. The Galli family has been producing Amarone here since the 1950s in a determinedly traditional style. Fermented in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yests, their Riserva 2013 spent no fewer than eight years in classic large, old Slavonian oak barrels. The result is well worth waiting for. Michael Garner: Leafy and woody nose. Ripe, round and chocolately, hints of mushroom and marron glacé, good definition of mature fruit flavours. A long, nuanced finish. Mature but could go on. Sara Bachiorri: Dried herbs and sweet cherry fruit. Rounded mouthfeel, a little spirity. Long finish, notes of raisin and dark chocolate with liquorice. Richard Baudains: A complex, evolved nose. Great intensity and balance with a long, deep finish. Bittersweet. Drinking window: 2024-2032. Score – 95. (decanter.com, Nov. 10, 2024)