Scoring 17+ Dionysian points on a scale of 20, the 1990 Santi Amarone Recioto della Valpolicella, with 14% alcohol, and costing about $25 back then, was almost ready at 28 years old.

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I only had three of these wines and should have bought a dozen. Amarone is most enjoyable when it’s at least 15 years old  and holds for decades. Newer styles are not made to do that.

The wine was velvety with plum and some raison notes. It was full-bodied and had a long soft aftertaste making it an ideal food wine. Seek out the traditional styles.

Santi is a Fredrick Wildman selection and ought to be sought out. In Vino Veritas.