Boasting a bold, in-your-face style, the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigna Monte Danieli is almost too much of a good thing. The bouquet is painted in broad brush strokes with thick, dark lines of blackberry, leather and spice. The mouthfeel is chewy, rich and openly sweet. That bounty is followed by a powerful blast of 16% alcohol. This is a big Amarone that I liked a little less than the 2007 vintage.

The 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Vigna Monte Danieli shows big bones and a more embellished Amarone style. You can feel the alcohol (the label reads 16%). Broad aromas span from dried fruit and prune to tangy barbecue spice and savory steak sauce. The mouthfeel is velvety and rich. Drink 2014-2022. Despite generations of history as a vineyard, Corte Rugolin starts its modern chapter as a winery with sister-brother team Federico and Elena Coati. Importer: Angelini Wine, www.angeliniwine.com

This Amarone is made in a traditional style with aromas of forest berry, red apple, spice and barbecue smoke. It exhibits pretty luminosity and buoyancy with vibrant fruit flavors and a fresh cherry finale. Very nice. ——M.L.(12/1/2009)—— 92

Definitely on the ripe side, this wine showcases mature aromas of berry jam, raspberry fruit roll-up, tar, licorice and lingering strawberry. Ripe flavors in the mouth are backed by spice, smoke, mineral and velvety consistency. Pair this wine with Cajun blackened meat.——M.L.(12/1/2007)—— 90