The Marion 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella does not beat around the bush. This is a full-bodied red blend made with air-dried fruit. A hot growing season further intensifies this wine that ended up with a powerful 16% alcohol content. There is blackberry confit, cooked cherry, exotic spice and smoky tar or road paving. A lot of that intensity is delivered up front, and the palate is far more subdued and balanced. This is a 10,000-bottle release.