2005 Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta
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Tasting notes
This was a challenging vintage with rain and cooler-than-average growing conditions. In fact, no Amarone was made in 2005. Showing surprisingly youthful fruit and pretty concentration, the Dal Forno Romano 2005 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta offers balanced aromas of barbecue smoke, scorched earth and dark fruit. There is a pretty floral note of dark rose or iris that is quite special in this vintage.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
Dal Forno should really change the name of his 2005 Valpolicella Superiore. This is really an Amarone for all practical intents and purposes, since 2002 made entirely from fruit that has been dried, albeit for less time than that legally required for Amarone. Firm, sturdy tannins frame blackberries, blueberries, violets and new leather in the 2005 Valpolicella. This is an especially structured, shut-down wine, even within the context of Dal Forno. Patience is the key, yet the wine's gorgeous inner perfume and sheer depth suggest that all that is required is patience. With time in the glass the tannins soften just enough to get a glimpse of what awaits those who are patient enough to hold this wine for a few years. Bittersweet chocolate, graphite and tar are layered into the authoritative finish.
Dal Forno should really change the name of his 2005 Valpolicella Superiore. It is really an Amarone for all practical intents and purposes, as it is made entirely from fruit that has been dried, albeit for less time than that legally required for Amarone. Firm, sturdy tannins frame blackberries, blueberries, violets and new leather in the 2005 Valpolicella. This is an especially structured, shut-down wine, even within the context of Dal Forno. The wine’s gorgeous inner perfume and sheer depth suggest that all that is required is patience. With time in the glass the tannins soften just enough to get a glimpse of what is in store for those who can wait a few years. Bittersweet chocolate, graphite and tar are layered into the authoritative finish. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2025. These two new releases from Romano Dal Forno are nothing short of extraordinary. Unfortunately readers will have to wait until the Fall for the 2004 Vigna Sere (the wine previously sold as Recioto), one of the most monumental young sweet wines I have ever had the pleasure of tasting...and make no mistake about it, this is a wine I did not spit the last time I sampled it! Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200
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.