2018 Amarone Della Valpolicella '3 Cru', Guerrieri Rizzardi, Veneto

Rizzardi are masters of Amarone, and the '3 Crus' a blend of grapes from 3 top vineyards, is rightly regarded as one of the finest around. Here, elegance, finesse and complexity serve as perfect counterparts to its power, richness and intensity. Perfetto.

There's so much power in this wine, it's dark, viscous and seductive, coating the walls of the glass as you swirl. The nose is laced with dried fruit, prune, raisin, cracked black pepper and warming spice.

The palate offers pronounced, sweet, dark berries and spice, a hint of warming oak and mocha. A lovely balance has been achieved ensuring that the rich, concentrated, black-forest fruit doesn't become cloying, and there is notable grip on the lengthy, complex finish.