Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore 2018 - 750ml

95pts Wine Enthusiast - *Cellar Selection*

Unfolding in a way that captures the attention and imagination at once, this Veneto classic is a wine lover's must. Opening with aromas of blackberry jam, plum preserves, anise, clove and espresso, it might overwhelm at first but give it a second. The palate is rich and layered with flavors that deserve some time to develop. Black cherries, tobacco, vanilla and spice all swirl on the palate into an elegant and refined finish. *Cellar Selection* 

95pts James Suckling

Restrained dark bramble fruit and vibrant spiciness, with notes of cold coffee, earth and bay leaves. The attack is dense and velvety, with thick, ripe tannins that are a bit sandy. Ripe and full-bodied with crisp acidity and good length focused on graphite. Power and grace, with a restrained chocolate aftertaste. Drink or hold.

94pts Decanter

The wet 2018 vintage has conferred this Valpolicella Superiore – a blend of 60% Corvina, 15% Croatina, 10% Corvinone, 10% Oseleta and 5% Rondinella – with an accessible and fragrant character compared to its more typical firmly shut down youth. Intense scents of potpourri, iris, crushed violet, fresh blueberries, herbs and a hint of black tea lead to a cocoa-dusted palate of succulent and ferrous red fruits, balanced by good acidity and with that beautiful fragrance wafting through. While still ageworthy, you could enjoy this sooner than other recent vintages, such as the magnificent 2016 tasted alongside it.

94pts Wine Spectator

A gorgeous nose of rosemary, leather, cocoa powder and milled pepper is a fragrant thread winding through this rich red. Dense, fine-grained tannins support flavors of baked black cherry and blackberry paste, loamy earth, graphite and Earl Grey tea leaf. Long and plush, with the detailed profile echoing on the finish. Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina and Oseleta. Drink now through 2038. 2,100 cases made, 375 cases imported.

Winery Notes

The Dal Forno family has been making wine since 1983. Located in Val D’Illasi, the estate consists of 65 acres of vines planted to traditional indigenous varieties of Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Oseleta and Croatina. The estate vineyards and farm are located where the slopes begin to rise toward the mountains and sit 1,000 feet above sea level. The loose, alluvial soils, meticulous pruning and scrupulous viticultural techniques ensure remarkable-quality grapes. The Dal Fornos use traditional methods to grow the finest fruit, and then employ modern techniques to produce the best wines — classic in expression and modern in purity.

Blend: 70% Corvina and Corvina grossa, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Oseleta