The 1997 vintage was a generous one for the northern Italian region of Veneto. An early heatwave in March led to great conditions for early and full ripening of grapes. After a quarter century of age, this large-format Amarone will be full, rich and complex, with fascinating flavours of dried fig, roasted almond, espresso, sweet tobacco, and burnt brown sugar.

Fresh violets, lilac, wild plums, allspice and wild herbal aromas pour from the glass. The focused palate shows tart cherry preserves, warmed cloves, roasted coffee and dark chocolate that finishes with a crushed chalk minerality. Fine tannins are present but in balance, working with fresh acidity to keep this wine in harmony. Drink now-2045. Editors' Choice. Score - 97. (Jeff Porter, Wine Enthusiast, Oct. 1, 2023)

The first single vineyard produced in the region. 8 ha, all pergola and sited c.400 metres. Subsequently the appassimento is extremely slow, completed in small buildings in the middle of the vineyards, on bamboo racks. Aromas of salumi, tarragon, fennel and the signature bitter, pithy, molten cherry bon bon notes that define Amarone. Incredible levels of extract here, coating the inner gums with a curvaceous brushstroke of tannin. The finish is firm, ferrous, coffee-grind gritty and impressive, with a twist of bitter orange chocolate at the finish to tone the lingering sweetness. Drink or hold [for two decades or more]. Score - 95. (Ned Goodwin, MW, jamessuckling.com, May 9, 2023)

Masi did not produce a 2014 of this singe-vineyard wine, as the vintage did not live up to their exacting standards. This is a profound, elegant, powerful wine that exhibits an exquisite sense of balance alongside its rich black fruit, tobacco, tar and spice. It will continue to evolve for three decades or more from vintage.

Decadent flavours, refined structure and aging potential lift Amarone into the aristocracy of Italian wine. Expertly crafted using the Veneto grape trinity of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, the Costasera Amarone shows coffee, cocoa, and rich dried fried notes. It is well suited for richly flavoured dishes and cheeses.

While this is a far reach from the redder fruited, crunchier and pixelated expressions of Classico that increasingly define an exciting region, there is little debate as to the style sought at this address and the fine quality on offer. Cherry wood oak, unique and intriguing, makes its presence felt across a swathe of burly, dusty tannins. The nose, macerated boozy cherries, alpine pine, balsamic and freshly polished stairwell. The finish, strident and long-limbed. Drink or hold. Score - 93. (Ned Goodwin, MW, jamessuckling.com, April 12, 2023)

An Amarone that nudges Port, such is the density and liqueur-like notes of cocoa nibs, mocha, root spices and dried cherries. The tannins restrain the flavors into a sense of composure on one hand, while drying out the finish on the other. Very drying. Presumably, this simply needs time, or at least it is best to hope so. Drinkable now, but best from 2030 [through late 2030s]. Score - 93. (Ned Goodwin, MW, jamessuckling.com, May 3, 2024)

Decadent flavours, refined structure and aging potential lift Amarone into the aristocracy of Italian wine. Expertly crafted using the Veneto grape trinity of Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara, the Costasera Amarone shows coffee, cocoa, and rich dried fried notes. It is well suited for richly flavoured dishes and cheeses.

Refosco may not be the most well-known grape in northeastern Italy, but it's arguably the most important to the region, as it's the parent grape of the reds of the Valpolicella blend. This Refosco offers abundant flavours typical of the Venezie region, such as tangy dark fruit, dried herbs, star anise and toasted almonds.