Le Bertarole Podere Cariano Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico 2009

Heather Wall rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

I always feel like Amarone is an indulgence each and every time I'm treated to a glass. Sometimes I await the headache as this style of Venetian wine can creep up in alcohol but the richness masks it. The grapes for this Amarone(Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Dindarella and Croatina)were harvested and sorted in the vineyard late October then underwent natural drying period until the end of December. Combination of steel tanks 4-5 months and Slovenian oak for 30 months produce an inky elixir. A sumptuous nose and palate of dried cherry, raisin, prune, violets, vanilla, leather and smoke. The acidity is medium+ with some persistent tannins. This is full-bodied seduction. Winemaker suggested pairings: grilled ground game, mature cheeses or as a conversation wine. I'd like to be party to that conversation at 15.5% abv. Salud!

Jane Staples rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A subtly rich nose with dark red fruits, raisins and well-integrated oak. The palate shows complex red fruits, subtle spice, slight florals, Very harmonious mouthfeel with a satisfying multi-layered finish.