The Quintarelli Giuseppe 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico pours from its heavy glass bottle to reveal a dark ruby and shiny garnet appearance. The bouquet takes a few moments before it comes into focus, and even then, this wine holds back a bit, especially at this young stage in what promises to be a very long cellar life. It's in no rush. The mouthfeel is especially impressive, and it brings a heightened level of texture and life to the wine. Black fruit and dried plum segue to spice, campfire ash, camphor and grilled herb. A silky and polished mouthfeel is capped by a powerful 16.5% alcohol content. This vintage will appeal to Quintarelli purists who have plenty of time to wait.

The 2013 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico pulls you toward the glass with an intense display of crushed raspberries and clove, along with hints of tangerine and smoke. This is cool-toned and energetic, with exotic sweet spices and hints of mint giving way to depths of ripe cherries, confectionery spice and cocoa. It possesses a nervous core of acidity, yet also a totally classic feel. There’s a citrusy twist of sweet and sour and vivid inner rose and autumnal spices. The 2013 is powerful and deep, yet also full of energy, tapering off long and lightly structured. It's just begging for a little time in the cellar to fully come together.

Mid crimson. Coffee and a rather oxidised nose. Smooth and suave on the palate but the fruit seems to have been hoovered out. Rather dried-out finish. Could it just be a bottle problem? (JR)