Brigaldara, Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG (Veneto, Italy) 2012

 This decade-old Amarone has developed beautifully and demonstrates the rewards of aging.  I suspect Brigaldara’s 2016 Case Vecie Amarone will develop along these lines, which is why I suggest cellaring it.  This 2012 Amarone leads with dazzling aromatics.  Then, additional complexity — mature flavors along with fresh and dried dark fruit ones — emerges.  The wine retains a brightness and elegance that is amazing.  For its considerable size, it has grace and poise.  It would be a wonderful wintertime treat this year.