Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella 2008

750 ml | Alcohol/Vol: 16.5%

Vintage 2008

"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, head-spinning 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.
98 points - Antonio Galloni

"Wonderful aromas of rose petal, blackberry, sugared walnut, and hints of sea salt. Full body, ultra-fine tannins, and a warm, enticing palate with dried fruits, blackberry, black olive, and freshly cracked slate. Fabulous Amarone"
97 points - James Suckling

"*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."
96 points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate