Dal Forno Romano - Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta 2008 (750ml)
Price: $449.99
| Producer | Dal Forno Romano |
| Country | Italy |
| Region | Veneto |
| Subregion | Valpolicella |
| Varietal | Red Blend |
| Vintage | 2008 |
| Sku | 6051 |
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Dal Forno Romano Description
Subtle aromatic hints, that range from black cherry, blueberry to chocolate, anticipate the opulent expression of mature fruit that flows into the mouth with inadvertent persistence. Nuances of truffle, tobacco and new leather wrap around the finish.
In order to create this wine, the finest bunches of grapes are selected, after which a meticulous manual control is carried out to eliminate all grapes that do not meet the standards required. The selected grapes are then placed in plastic plateaux and are then left to rest for 90 days in large open rooms, where an innovative ventilation system helps maintain an elevated and thorough air flow.
Fermentation takes place in steel tanks at a controlled temperature of around 28°, which are equipped with a sophisticated computerized system which allows for automated punching for a period of around 15 days, including the final maceration which takes two days.
After decantation in the middle of January, the Amarone, which still contains some residual sugar, is placed into new barriques, where it begins a slow fermentation process which will last for a further 18 months. The total amount of time that it remains in the barriques is 36 months.
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.
James Suckling: 94 Points
An all American oak vintage. A treat to taste this from winemaker Marco's cellar. A swathe of cherry liqueur, menthol, mint and eucalyptus verging into the alpine amaro spectrum. Fascinating, complex, somewhat sweet, and to be churlish, ever so slightly drying. A fascinating and compelling wine all the same. Drink or hold.
Decanter: 94 Points
This is a lighter, more elegant style from Dal Forno, reflecting the cooler vintage conditions in 2008. The juicy palate is balanced by a wonderful level of structure, with slightly generic but ripe plum and hedgerow fruit with violet lift. A textural mid-palate leads onto a creamy cherry fruit finish. Drinking Window 2018 - 2040.
Wine Enthusiast: 90 Points
Dense and extracted, this conveys aromas of Asian spice, prune, raisin, black pepper and espresso. The concentrated, thick palate delivers black plum, raisin, blueberry extract and crème brûlée alongside smooth tannins and soft acidity. The heat of evident alcohol and syrupy texture would make this a nice wine that inspires meditation.
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