Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2006

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "A gorgeous, captivating wine, the 2006 soars out of the glass with the most exotic display of amarena cherry, leather, sweet pipe tobacco, lavender, spice and amaro herbs. It is the sort of very rare wine that captivates all the senses, from the intellectual to the most hedonistic. Time in the glass brings out seemingly endless layers of floral and spice inflections. More than that, the 2006 is a rare wine that constantly develops in the glass, showing myriad layers of dimension as time passes, almost without notice. There are a few wines in the world that are more than just wine, they represent the history of a family, a place, an appellation. This is one of them. Drink: 2021-2031. (Mar 2021)"

96 points Ian D'Agata (Vinous): "Deep, bright red-ruby. Extremely pure aromas of raspberry, black cherry, crushed flowers, cigar wrapper and aromatic herbs. Sharply chiseled, sappy and weightless in the mouth, but with very deep, brooding flavors of raspberry, candied violet, marzipan, flint and wild herbs. Saturates the entire palate with polished tannins and creamy, concentrated ripe red and black fruit flavor, finishing long, tactile, and bracing, showcasing nearly endless perfume. It will be fun to see how this wine develops and compares with Quintarelli’s 2007 Amarone over the years; right now, it’s hard to pick a favorite. Drink: 2021-2032. (May 2017)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Beautifully balanced, this elegant red features a skein of aromatic spice unraveling through the cherry compote, smoky espresso, fig cake and loamy earth flavors, layered with silky tannins in a harmonious frame. Drink now through 2030. (10/31/16)"

This is a most exceptional wine that is only made in exceptional vintages. It is made using the appassimento technique whereby the grapes are dried on rush mats before being pressed and made into wine. After seven years in Slavonian oak, the wine is bottled and aged another two years at the winery. The final product transcends verbal description. The sheer artistry and depth of the range is truly exceptional. A bottle of Quintarelli never disappoints!