1996 Brigaldara Amarone della Valpolicella

[Drew]

All these years and my first Amarone. Served with a simple fare of assorted Italian Calabrese, Salames, Capocollo and sausage, Parmesan and Gorgonzola cheeses. Very big wine. Black/ruby, not opaque. Rich flavors of spicy fruit, raisin, earth, mineral and herb notes. Sweet, similar to a late harvest zin but with more minerality and leather/earthy components. Thick, oily mouthfeel completely coating the tongue and a finish that lasted 45+ seconds with some pronounced heat from the 15.5% Alc/vol. $50

DRew