For all of its intensity and depth, the 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva La Mattonara is remarkably fresh. It mixes medicinal cherry and crushed blackberry with sweet balsam herbs and hints of cocoa. This is opulence personified, impossibly rich and velvety, mixing both savory and sweet while saturating the senses with wild berry preserves contrasted by sour citrus. A wall of tannin grips the palate through the finale; yet throughout, this remains fresh, leaving lavender and clove to linger. The 2009 is a caged beast, as well as a total beauty

Eric Guido - Vinous Media (96)