Rizzardi 2016 Amarone "Calcarole" 750ml

The 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva Calcarole is a sleeping giant with masses of crushed blueberry and black cherry complicated by blood orange, allspice and mocha. This is texturally deep and velvety in texture, with cooling mineral tones and brisk acids that add contrast as rich red fruits saturate the palate. Balsamic spice and inner rose tones linger as the 2016 finishes with sweet tannins that perfectly frame this red. This is drop-dead gorgeous, but beware of the 17% abv.

Score: 96 points -- Eric Guido, Vinous, 2022