Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta Superiore 2017 750ml

Eric Guido writes: With the 2016 still being held for release down the road as it slowly comes into focus, today it’s the 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta that is being released into the market. This is dark, sultry and almost animalistic in nature, as crushed fall leaves and earth tones open the experience, giving way to masses of macerated black cherries, cedar shavings, spiced cookies and a lifting hint of camphor. It floods the palate with velvety textures while maintaining fantastic energy, as stimulating acidity adds unexpected vibrancy, and tart wild berries slowly saturate. While structured, the tannins are sweet, and the wine remains remarkably fresh, almost crunchy, as an air of inner rose and balsam herbs slowly fades. Frankly, I can’t believe the 2017 finished at 16% abv, because it is simply so palatable and charming. Drinking 2025 -2037 – Vinous 97

James Button writes:Beautiful florality on the palate, nuanced elements of roses and violets and peonies which give the delicacy and prettiness while the cough syrup, coffee, tobacco and dark chocolate laced plums, damsons and blackcurrants give the majority of the flavour. It’s well controlled with power and weight and still quite a firm centre which feels sleek. I also love the slightly salty tang you get on the tongue. It’s just missing something – the density and sombre flavour profile stops it from really shining out the glass and it lacks a touch of spark. Still quite tightly knitted and compact though, when the wine starts to open and soften this will be more than beautiful and charming. A wine for the ages. One of three wines by Dal Forno launching on the Place for the first time this year. 10% Croatina completes the blend. Owner and winemaker team Romano and Marco Dal Forno. Drinking 2023 -2047 – Decanter 96

Georgina Hindle writes:Beautiful florality on the palate, nuanced elements of roses and violets and peonies which give the delicacy and prettiness while the cough syrup, coffee, tobacco and dark chocolate laced plums, damsons and blackcurrants give the majority of the flavour. It’s well controlled with power and weight and still quite a firm centre which feels sleek. I also love the slightly salty tang you get on the tongue. It’s just missing something – the density and sombre flavour profile stops it from really shining out the glass and it lacks a touch of spark. Still quite tightly knitted and compact though, when the wine starts to open and soften this will be more than beautiful and charming. A wine for the ages. One of three wines by Dal Forno launching on the Place for the first time this year. 10% Croatina completes the blend. Owner and winemaker team Romano and Marco Dal Forno. Drinking 2023 – 2043 – Decanter 94