The 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico boasts fabulous intensity and richness. This is an especially heady, port-like Amarone imbued with tons of depth. Chocolate, black cherries, leather and spices wrap around the serious, palate-staining finish. The 2007 needs quite a bit of time, but it is hugely promising. Readers who appreciate a big, powerful style of Amarone will love Zenato's 2007.

Dark ruby. Brooding smoky plum, dark chocolate and coffee aromas complicated by underbrush. Smooth, rich and supple, with herbal red and black fruit flavors that linger nicely at the back. Another very good entry-level Amarone from the extraordinary 2007 vintage.

Cask sample. Very dark ruby. Ever so slightly yeasty hints of marmite. Slightly bitter, and subdued at this stage. (WS)