2000 Mithas, Amarone della Valpolicella, Corte Sant'Alda, Veneto

Marinella's flagship wine from the single 'Macie' vineyard, made only in top years & in staggeringly small quantities (300 cases), reflects her quest for perfection. Tasted alongside her peers (Quintarelli, Bussola, Dal Forno), one is struck by both the great concentration of bright lush black cherry & spice fruit, but also by the precision with which it is delivered. Naturally air-dried fruit account for the former (reducing the must weight by 65%); elevated vineyards (350 metres above) the latter, giving her wines real presence. Aged for 4-5 years in new french barriques, which melt into the sea of fruit. Drinking now & over the next 8 years. Best decanted.