Masi Amarone Serego Alighieri Vaio Armaron 2012

This is obviously a big wine (15.5%) but so elegant and well balanced! The nose is rich and almost overripe. Still deeply coloured and distinctly fruity, you'd be hard pressed to guess this as an Amarone off the top. Expansive and rich, this expensive cuvée from Amarone leader Masi finds its mark beautifully. There are suggestions of prune and raisin in this 15.5-per-cent-alcohol powerhouse, but it's far from syrupy, with impressive balance coming from tight acidity, grippy tannins and spice. It would be superb with aged cheeses. $83.75 in Quebec.