Aromas of cassis, camphor, French oak and blue flowers form the expressive nose. Full-bodied and elegantly structured, the smooth, delicious palate doles out succulent Morello cherry, spiced blueberry, licorice and tobacco. It's well-balanced, with taut, refined tannins and fresh acidity. Drink 2021-2031.

The darkly alluring 2016 La Poja seduces with masses of plum sauce, macerated cherries and dark chocolate with lavender tones. Its silken textures wash across the palate with mineral-tinged dark red berries and savory spices, as sweet tannins collect toward the close. A saturation of primary tart fruit concentration lasts on the senses for well over a minute, as this tapers off long and lightly structured. The 2016 is simply stunning today and has a very bright future ahead of it as well. The La Poja is a varietal Corvina Veronese that is picked about fifteen days late; it does not go through the drying process like the Amarone. Any readers looking to experience the future of Valpolicella in the making, should consider tasting this.