A graceful, medium- to full-bodied red, with a deep, minerally core of iron and smoke notes, wrapped in aromas and flavors of dried red currant, orange peel, medicinal herbs and anise. Taut tannins firm the finish, which shows more smoke and spice. Drink now through 2026.

The 2010 Amazon della Valpolicella Classico is deceptively fresh and floral at first, deepening further with time in the glass, as earthy minerals give way to savory cherry sauce and hints of camphor. This is silky, almost creamy in feel, with ripe red fruits and spices giving way to hints of licorice and tobacco. A coating of fine tannin lingers, along with notes of cheek-puckering tart blackberry and bitter baker's chocolate.