Dark crimson in color, with deep garnet hues. A concentrated array of aromas of mulberry, blackberry and dark plum indicate the richness to come, while savory and complex notes of charcuterie, cedar, sage and five spice tease the senses. Plush and velvety on the palate, the wine has intense fruit concentration with plum, red currant, blackberry and anise flavors, yet an enchantingly elegant and refined structure. Layers of silky tannins reveal the impressive depth of the wine before giving way to an incredibly long finish.
Review:
A rather refined Hill of Grace with roasted meat, smoked meat, and juicy plums. Some mushroom and forest-flower character, too. It’s medium- to full-bodied, juicy and savory. Light white pepper at the end. Underlying finesse and elegance to this. The flavor does not go away. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
-James Suckling 99 Points
Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore is made from Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina grown at the Monte Lodoletta estate in the Val d'Illasi, eastern Valpolicella.
One of Italy's most iconic producers, Romano Dal Forno revolutionized Valpolicella winemaking with an obsessive pursuit of quality. The grapes are hand-harvested with meticulous selection, then dried for approximately 45 days in the estate's patented, computer-controlled appassimento rooms. After pressing, the wine is fermented in custom-designed stainless steel tanks and aged for 24 months in new French oak barrels, followed by extended bottle aging before release.
Deep ruby in color with aromas of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and cocoa. Full-bodied and opulent on the palate with powerful yet polished tannins, layers of dark fruit, sweet spice, tobacco and chocolate. Despite its remarkable concentration, the wine maintains an elegant freshness and balance. Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted red meats, game and aged cheeses.
14.5% ABV
A perfumed and elegant wine with subtle aromas of balsamic, coconut, dark bramble fruit, jasmine, mulberries, red cherries and chocolate. It’s spicy rather than fruity. On the palate it shows salted chocolate flavors and a full body. It’s crisp, zesty and velvety, with creamy tannins and a graphite finish. It shows tension despite its concentrated style. It will be released in January 2027. Try then or hold.
-James Suckling 97 Points