The 2001 Amarone Sant’Urbano is vibrant and fresh, with sweet jammy, fruit, spice and chocolate overtones. It offers outstanding length and a slightly bitter note on the finish. Although it offers lovely balance, this is not an especially generous or giving style of Amarone. It is a blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Corvinone. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2013. Speri is a small, family-owned estate with vineyards in the historical part of the Valpolicella zone. Stylistically the Amarones are made in a somewhat austere style. I find that the wines typically benefit from a few hours of air, especially the Recioto. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900