Jesús Barquín: Very deep. Complex nose of very ripe black fruit, a whiff of VA, spices, black pepper. Similar palate, complex and well defined, perhaps a tad sweet. Long finish, with notes of prunes. 15.5

Nicolas Belfrage: Deep opaque. Cherry-liqueur nose. All there, with a nice wild-fruit (slightly unripe blackberry) side to it, having firm acidity, slightly austere tannins, but a great honesty and straightforwardness about it. Something of a crème de cassis character. Delicious now and will last. 17.5

Andrew Jefford: Saturated black-red in color. Exciting cherry-plum scents: graceful, yet lent seriousness by that bitter-almond finesse. On the palate, this is a dense, concentrated, long-flavored wine offering huge levels of palate gratification and satisfaction. Very sensual, very beguiling, very endearing. It isn’t the most classical Amarone in contention, but there’s a huge amount to enjoy here. 16.5