Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2016

95 points Eric Guido (Vinous): "[$85 list] There’s a dark, mineral-driven complexity to the 2016 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico that keeps you coming back to the glass over and over again. Sometimes it’s licorice, sometimes blackberry or maraschino cherry, but always backed by a mix of autumnal spice, sour citrus and hints of animal musk that intrigue the senses. Velvety-smooth and almost creamy in weight, as sweet red fruits flesh out, taking on nuances of violet candies and cloves toward the close. This is pure elegance, dense yet balanced, and delivering a layer of fine tannins that linger long, as hints of bitter coffee and dark chocolate slowly fade. All of this, and at an amazingly respectable 15.5% abv. Bravo. Drink: 2023-2036. (Feb 2021)"

95 points and 'Cellar Selection,' Wine Enthusiast: "[$85 list] Ripe plum, blue flower and spice aromas lift out of the glass in this full-bodied red. The smooth, concentrated palate boasts a weightless elegance, delivering blackberry compote, ripe Morello cherry, licorice and baking spice framed in enveloping, velvety tannins. Drink 2022–2031. Alcohol 15.5%. (Mar 2021)"

94 points James Suckling: "Very attractive dried fruit, such as plums, with fig and walnut undertones. Full-bodied with round, polished tannins that are chewy, but very smooth. Flavorful finish. Drink now. (9/1/20)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$85 list] An elegant red, medium- to full-bodied and mouthwatering throughout, this layers supple, lightly chalky tannins with a pleasing range of crushed black currant, fresh thyme and minerally salt and iron notes. Bright and polished, with a lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2030. (6/30/21)"

93 points Decanter: "Allegrini's Amarone brings together grapes from hillside estate vineyards in the Classico zone, predominantly around the town of Fumane. It is rounded out with 5% Oseleta which amps up both colour and tannins. Vanilla, cedar and cherry are upfront and the oak is prominent yet polished. This is a compact, chewy Amarone that really bursts with dried cherry and plum skin on the long finish. It could do with a few years in the bottle to assimilate but has the backbone and concentration to age a decade beyond that. Drinking Window: 2023-2033. (May 2020)"