2003 Tommaso Bussola Amarone Della Valpolicella TB Vigneto Alto

(94 points) "I remember tasting the 2003 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico TB Vigneto Alto when it was in barrel and the fermentations were very slow. Today, it is has emerged from that awkward state and developed into a very beautiful Amarone. Dried dark cherry notes meld into cloves, pipe tobacco and worn-in leather in a striking, beautifully delineated Amarone loaded with complexity. The flavors are a touch developed, making the 2003 an excellent choice for drinking now and over the next decade or so. The 2003 doesn't quite reach the level of the very best years - which would have been nearly impossible in this vintage - but it comes very close. There is a lot to like here, especially for readers looking for a near-term fix of Amarone. Drink: 2014-2023. (Mar 2014)" Antonio Galloni (Vinous)