The 2006 Amarone della Valpolicella represents a classic blend of 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella and 5% Molinara. It showcases a slightly lighter and more approachable style on the Amarone scoreboard and delivers bright aromas of spice, jammy fruit, black pepper, tar and forest floors. An herbal or greenish note that recalls olive or caper is thrown in for extra measure. The mouthfeel shows succulence and sweetness beyond its fleshy fruit favors. Drink 2014-2020. Rocca Sveva is the top-shelf line from Soave powerhouse cooperative Cantina di Soave. Importer: Mionetto USA/MWimportsUSA, www.mwimportsusa.com

This is an elegant and well-crafted Amarone that reveals itself slowly in the glass with aromas of spice, mature fruit and greenish nuances of forest floor and bramble. You’ll taste mature blackberry and cherry on the finish followed by spicy notes of black pepper and clove. ——M.L.(2/1/2011)—— 90