The 2009 Valpolicella Classico is very pretty in this vintage. Sweet red cherries, crushed flowers, licorice, tobacco and spices are woven together nicely in this refined, mid-weight Valpolicella. This 2009 is feminine and gracious from start to finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2017. Brigaldara can be counted on for exuberant, flashy wines. With time some of the lushness that is present upon release melts away and the wines acquire lovely complexity. Recent bottles of the estate’s 1986 and 2001 were superb.

Fresh acidity enlivens layered flavors of blackberry preserves, date, pomegranate, spice and mineral here, while light tannins structure this balanced red. Modest finish. Drink now through 2015. 12,000 cases made.