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.

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)

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)

Hillside, south-west facing slopes are the source, as always at this address. 70% corvina, 15% rondinella, 10% oseleta and a dash of molinara. Oseleta's thick, skin-heavy solid-to-liquid ratio serves as a bulwark against a warming climate, imparting tannins and very bright acidity. A fine variety, serving a warming region well while adding a sense of completion to the blend. It is often picked as late as October. This is excellent. Dense as much as it is remarkably sprightly and fresh. Aromas of pine, fennel and layers of maraschino cherry, damson, balsamic, polished leather and high quality bitter chocolate. Finishes pithy, firm and nobly bitter. Drink or hold. Score - 96. (Ned Goodwin, MW, jamessuckling.com, May 9, 2023)

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.

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.

This sweet passito-style red is made from dried grapes in a process similar to that used to produce Amarone. The grapes for Recioto wines are dried longer (up to 200 days), resulting in greater concentration, and the fermentation is stopped before the sugar is completely fermented. This example from the iconic Masi will evolve through the mid-2030s and perhaps longer.

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.