1997 Amarone della Valpolicella
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Tasting notes
The 1997 Amarone della Valpolicella is impenetrably dark in color with an intoxicating and exotic bouquet, as Chinese five spice and dried flowers blossom into a dusting of cocoa, cloves, allspice and pomegranates. There’s simply so much going on here and a ridiculous amount of depth. This is silky-smooth and elegant, yet it colors within the lines of balance, even as masses of ripe red and black fruits settle upon the senses under an air of inner rose. I can’t believe how remarkably fresh and youthful this is at twenty-four years old. There’s a pleasant inner sweetness even as this comes across as perfectly dry. The finish goes on for well over a minute, taking on an almost-Amaro bitterness, and leaves the palate feeling completely fresh. The 1997 is a perfect example of the aging potential of Amarone. Wow. This was a very hot vintage in the Veneto; and as a result, the abv here is at 17.5%, but good luck finding any alcohol-derived heat in this wine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Impenetrable ruby. Super-concentration but refined and with hints of black olive and fine supporting touch of oak, but no more than that. Minerally notes, too. Enormous intensity and yet superbly balanced and built. Huge tannic structure, but with enormous potential. Just a tiny bit hot. (WS)
The outrageous 1997 Amarone (17.5% alcohol) was aged 28 months in 100% new French oak. An inky/purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of blueberry liqueur intermixed with truffle, graphite, camphor, and vanilla scents. This remarkable offering is immensely full-bodied and super-concentrated, with great purity, symmetry, and length. It is the stuff of legends! How long will it last? Who knows? Certainly this wine is capable of evolving for 15-20 years. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
The outrageous 1997 Amarone (17.5% alcohol) was aged 28 months in 100% new French oak. An inky/purple color is followed by sumptuous aromas of blueberry liqueur intermixed with truffle, graphite, camphor, and vanilla scents. This remarkable offering is immensely full-bodied and super-concentrated, with great purity, symmetry, and length. It is the stuff of legends! How long will it last? Who knows? Certainly this wine is capable of evolving for 15-20 years. Dec 2002, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Along with Giuseppe Quintarelli, Dal Forno Romano makes the best wines in the Veneto. The history of Dal Forno Romano, however, is much shorter, and its rise to fame much faster.