Bussola Amarone Vigneto Alto 2012

A profound and highly concentrated Amarone showcasing aromas of dried black cherry, fig, blackberry preserve, dark chocolate, tobacco, cedar and exotic spices. The palate is full-bodied and intensely layered, delivering rich dried fruit, cocoa, espresso and savory complexity supported by velvety tannins and vibrant acidity, culminating in a remarkably long and refined finish.

Food Pairing: Braised beef short ribs, venison, wild boar, lamb shank, aged Parmigiano Reggiano, truffle dishes and blue cheeses.

95 Points - James Suckling

Another fine Amarone showing prodigious complexity, refinement and scintillating length. Oak-derived coffee bean aromas nestle amid camphor, cloves, licorice, menthol and alpine amaro liqueur. This feels sweeter, richer and more primary than its 2012 Riserva sibling, yet with no less capacity to develop beautifully over time. I look forward to greater complexity, sure to come with further bottle development. Drinkable now, but best from 2029.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

A graceful red, with rich flavors of Amarena cherries in syrup, dark chocolate and stemmy herbs gilding across the palate. Fine-grained tannins are well-meshed with the concentrated profile, emerging on the fragrant finish, which shows bright, lingering notes of raspberry paste, smoked paprika and singed orange peel. Drink now through 2037. 322 cases made.