Vinous: 98 Points
The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella is compelling. With a little air the tannins begin to soften releasing a myriad of intense dark aromas and flavors. Bittersweet chocolate cloves violets plums and blackberry jam cover every inch of the palate in a stunning headspinning Amarone that captures all of the best qualities of the year. When Romano Dal Forno's wines are on there is nothing quite like them and that is certainly the case here. If opened young the 2008 needs a little air. Actually a lot of air. (Drink between 2016-2033)
v
Wine Advocate: 96 Points
Production was skipped over in 2007 due to extreme hail damage. The fruit that would normally be destined to Amarone went to the lower tier Valpolicella Superiore instead. The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta marks a return to a slightly cooler vintage with a longer growing season slowed down during the summer's moderate temperatures. Indeed harvest was wrapped up during the first days of November. The blend is mostly Corvina at about 60% with smaller parts Corvinone Rondinella Croatina and Oseleta. The new Dal Forno winery was finished in 2008 complete with the unique vacuum-sealed fermentation tasks that help to avoid any intrusive oxygen during winemaking. Indeed this wine is balanced and elegant with fruit that is still crunchy and very much alive. The tannins are firm and nicely integrated into the wine's thick fleshy consistency. This vintage is characterized by a very elegant and graceful approach which must be taken into context given the enormity of a wine of this caliber. Happily there is no doubt that this vintage should still evolve steadily over time.
Customers Viewing This Page Might Also Like These Items
