Romano Dal Forno

As every year, the secret star of the house gives the Dominator in Dal-Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A compact, focused red, this presents pretty violet, medicinal herb and anise notes on the nose as it slowly expands -- flavors that are more subdued at first on the palate. This is supported by dense, plushly textured tannins, flavors of mulled cherry, dark chocolate and amaro, loamy earth and smoke that are slowly revealed, gaining momentum and lingering on the long finish. Give this some air or time in the glass to allow it to shine brightest." Wine Spectator

"Pungent nose of violets, Amarena cherries, dried figs and slightly charred oak. With air, some toffee notes and pressed flowers emerge. Not so much full-bodied as full-bodied, with silky, fine and polished tannins. Still very young and powerful at the moment. Shows exceptional quality. To be tasted from 2024." James Suckling

"The 2017 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta reminds me of all the desserts, spices and sweets you experience at Christmas. A range of medicinal cherries, plum sauce, ginger biscuits, cloves, cinnamon and dried roses are captivating. The wine has enormous depth, but at the same time it has fantastic freshness. The brilliant acidity gives it an energy rarely found in Valpolicella, enlivening the crisp red fruits and pretty flowers within. The 2017 finishes dramatically long and perfumed, with sour blackberries, currants and a bitter hint of cocoa. It far exceeds expectations for a Valpolicella, with the power and flavours of an Amarone, but with a vibrancy that allows it to hold its own at the dinner table." Vinous

Passito Seré is not a new wine from Dal Forno, but the former Recioto DOCG, which is now on the market as IGT - if you get to see it or drink it at all. Incredibly rich and dense, lots of ripe, dark fruit and roasted coffee beans on the nose. Opulent and generous on the palate, the sweetness shows excellent balance. A particularly structured and almost magical dessert wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Labeled as “air-dried sweet red wine” instead of its traditional name “Recioto,” this is indeed a powerful and generous wine. It boasts huge density and superintense aromas of blackberry, oak spice and tobacco. Keep it for your cellar." Wine Enthusiast

"Bright deep ruby. Intense but refined aromas and flavors of red cherry jam, licorice cocoa and flinty minerals, with a bright violet topnote. Lively but harmonious acidity really lift and extend the rich high concentrated and multilayered flavors on the long, luscious and very precise finish. In many respects, this is always my favorite wine from Dal Forno, as I find it has impeccable balance (14% alcohol, 150g/L r.s. and 7g/L total acidity) and a very high easy-drinking quality (especially given a rather crazy-high 56g/L dry extract). The extremely high quality of this wine (it used to be labeled as a Recioto della Valpolicella) and Dal Forno’s exacting standards are well demonstrated by the fact that he has only made this wine six times in the roughly thirty year lifetime of the estate! Even though the 2004 vintage was marred by an early July hailstorm, this is one of Dal Forno’s best Reciotos ever." Vinous

"The 2004 Passito Rosso Vino Dolce Vigna Seré is a masterpiece that is impossible to repeat. In fact, the wine has not been produced since 2004. Even if a vintage as good as this did come along, we'd need to wait another 13 years before we could enjoy this level of maturity and evolution. Formally a Recioto della Valpolicella, this sweet red wine is made with air-dried fruit as local tradition dictates. Luckily no botrytis set in that year, because that would have eroded the wine's deep and luscious color saturation. The bouquet delivers a generous flow of dark spice, bitter chocolate, espresso, raisin, plum, barbecue spice and teriyaki smoke. The concentration and layering of the wine are both rare and distinctive. The mouthfeel sees sweet flavors with a syrupy mouthfeel. The finish offers hints of caramelized brown sugar and savory hickory. The aging window is impossible to predict, but the wine is surely built to last. I can think of no other wine that comes close to matching this unique style." Wine Advocate

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. As every year, the secret star of the house gives the Dominator in Dal Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful and stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very rich and spicy nose of kirsch, sweet morello cherries, spice box, hazlenuts and vanilla beans with dried dark cherry cake and lots of cedar, too. Full body, sweet fruit, vibrant acidity, ripe and round tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Always excellent." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A harmonious Valpolicella in a richer style, displaying a lovely range of plumped black cherry, star anise, espresso crema, cured tobacco and fragrant smoke notes. The sinewy tannins are well-meshed, but lend weight and definition, and the lightly juicy acidity keeps this focused through to the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"A remarkably concentrated red, redolent of dark-cherry ice cream, stuffed with chocolate-chip flakes that turn into meatier, earthier nuances of steak tartar and forest floor. Full-throttle and lavishly chewy, the tannins pucker all sides of the mouth with mesmerizing intensity; nevertheless they remain polished and acutely detailed, like an extravagant, wool-woven, Moroccan veil." James Suckling

"This is a terrific wine that stood out - and stood tall - despite the fact that it was tasted alongside some of Dal Forno's most important vintages of the top-shelf Amarone. If that's not a full-on recommendation, I don't know what is. The 2013 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta oozes forth with thick concentration and an inky black color. The mouthfeel is thick and impenetrable, and the senses are treated to a long succession of black fruit, tar, spice, smoke, mesquite and barbecue flavors. The wine is full-bodied and very opulent, but it carries that massive intensity with grace and precision. This Valpolicella Superiore is very nicely done." Wine Advocate

"From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone." Decanter

A monument of wine! Brilliant dark ruby. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A dark, brooding red that effortlessly combines a beautiful array of aromas of cherry, blackberry pulp, dried mint and eucalyptus with fine, chiselled tannins and a rich hint of minerality - lots of smoke, fresh earth and iron. It shows concentration and power, revealing even more detail and expression as it opens in the glass, but at the same time it's an exercise in balance and restraint." Wine Spectator

"No-one else matches the Dal Forno wines for their sheer power and intensity, and even Romano himself seems reluctant to estimate how long his Amarone might last. His 2017 Amarone is a typical time capsule, showing no age whatsoever but all the elements – a bottomless depth of rich and intense but still juicy fruit, coursing acidity and mouth-puckering tannins – are there in abundance and somehow maintain an astonishing harmony." Decanter

"This wine is dark, sultry and almost animalic. Crushed autumn leaves and earth tones open the experience, giving way to masses of macerated black cherries, cedar chips, spiced biscuits and a refreshing hint of camphor. It floods the palate with a velvety texture while maintaining a fantastic energy as the bracing acidity adds unexpected vibrancy and the tart wild berries slowly saturate. The tannins are structured yet sweet and the wine remains remarkably fresh, almost crisp, as hints of inner rose and balsamic herbs slowly fade. Honestly, I can't believe the 2017 was made at 16% alcohol because it's just so drinkable and charming." Vinous

"The current edition. A tour de force, despite the sheer morass of palate-staining fruit. The malty oak is evident, but acts as a welcome addition to tame and compress the tangle of coffee grounds, beef stock, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur in a cloak of tension and power. The grapes are dried for 70-80 days. This may seem obvious at first glance, but when you work it out in the glass and on the inner gums, the many layers become apparent. A wine that changes shape and beguiles as it wrestles with the senses. Excellent." James Suckling

Sparkling, rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Intense bouquet of dark berries, plums, slightly raisiny, very balanced. On the palate almost explosive and multi-layered, with a wonderfully smooth texture like velvet and silk, then soft, sweetish and dense tannin, builds up endlessly. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable dark lustrous ruby. Like the 2008 Valpolicella but exponentially augmented: chalky dense fruit and succulent acidity. Muscular tannins. Long, intense and wonderfully composed at the same time in spite of its 16.5% (!)." Jancis Robinson

"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." Decanter

"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." Wine Advocate

"The 2008 Amarone della Valpolicella is compelling. 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, headspinning 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." Vinous

Monte Lodoletta 2009 exudes remarkable warmth and ripeness, with deep layers of Venezuelan dark chocolate, herbs, liquorice, smoke, dark fruit and toasted oak. For such a big wine, this Amarone has remarkable detail and nuance, and in an explosive style. On the palate, flavours of black plum, coffee liqueur, spice, tobacco, vanilla and herbs abound. A high alcohol, heady wine that is not for those who believe that less can be more. Everything is here in exuberant volume and it takes hours to get through this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"Almost impenetrably deep, purple ruby. Intensely brooding, savoury fruit. Richly concentrated and intense, but not overpoweringly so. Richly tannic while all falls into place on the finish. Long, balanced and endless, really." Jancis Robinson

"Rich, with aromatic herb and tarry smoke notes, this silky, supple red is framed by mouthwatering acidity and dusty tannins. Shows ripe and concentrated flavors of date, sun-dried cherry, forest floor and ground spice, displaying a sense of harmony and density that suggests a long future. The finish echoes the spice and sweet fruit character." Wine Spectator

"The 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the most sexy, open-knit young Dal Forno Amarones I can remember tasting. An enticing mélange of mocha, black cherry, bittersweet chocolate and leather captivates the senses. Incredibly open today, the 2009 can be enjoyed with minimal cellaring or aged for twenty years, perhaps beyond. Although the 2009 doesn't quite reach the heights of the truly epic vintages here, it comes very close and will provide considerable pleasure sooner than many of those wines. I don't think I have ever tasted a young Dal Forno Amarone with this much allure." Vinous

"A remarkable vintage, with an early spring and very warm summer, producing grapes with potential sugar levels second only to 2003. As you may expect, then, this wine is bursting with plush, sweet red and black fruits; so tight and grippy as to be almost impenetrable at present. There is some cherry, herb and spirity damson towards the finish, but that really is just the tip of the iceberg." Decanter

"This is powerful and very rich with blueberries, flowers and hints of spices. Full body with velvety tannins and ripe fruits. Very beautiful and generous but not overdone. Superb." James Suckling

"The 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a full and generous expression that delivers thick lines and robust flavors of dried blackberry, camphor ash, exotic cedar wood, licorice and tarry road pavement. This vintage saw average temperatures throughout the growing season with a few hailstorms along the way. Very dry weather led to some mild drought in July and August, with ensuing ripening and concentration of the clusters. I found this monumental wine to be irresistible when I first tasted it five years ago, and I consider it to have improved since then. This is one of the most complete and comprehensive vintages produced at Dal Forno, and it gives us an ample 360-degree view onto the might, brawn and potential of this icon wine from the Veneto. Its evolutionary track shows no sign of slowing down." Wine Advocate

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. As every year, the secret star of the house gives the Dominator in Dal Forno style. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful and stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A very rich and spicy nose of kirsch, sweet morello cherries, spice box, hazlenuts and vanilla beans with dried dark cherry cake and lots of cedar, too. Full body, sweet fruit, vibrant acidity, ripe and round tannins and a fruit-forward finish. Always excellent." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A harmonious Valpolicella in a richer style, displaying a lovely range of plumped black cherry, star anise, espresso crema, cured tobacco and fragrant smoke notes. The sinewy tannins are well-meshed, but lend weight and definition, and the lightly juicy acidity keeps this focused through to the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"A remarkably concentrated red, redolent of dark-cherry ice cream, stuffed with chocolate-chip flakes that turn into meatier, earthier nuances of steak tartar and forest floor. Full-throttle and lavishly chewy, the tannins pucker all sides of the mouth with mesmerizing intensity; nevertheless they remain polished and acutely detailed, like an extravagant, wool-woven, Moroccan veil." James Suckling

"This is a terrific wine that stood out - and stood tall - despite the fact that it was tasted alongside some of Dal Forno's most important vintages of the top-shelf Amarone. If that's not a full-on recommendation, I don't know what is. The 2013 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta oozes forth with thick concentration and an inky black color. The mouthfeel is thick and impenetrable, and the senses are treated to a long succession of black fruit, tar, spice, smoke, mesquite and barbecue flavors. The wine is full-bodied and very opulent, but it carries that massive intensity with grace and precision. This Valpolicella Superiore is very nicely done." Wine Advocate

"From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone." Decanter

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in a magnum bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very dark fruits on the nose with hints of bark and dried flowers. Full body, soft and silky tannins with a chewy finish. Loads of dark chocolate and berry. Flavorful and balanced." James Suckling

"Sweet smoke, Asian five-spice powder and cacao accents mix with crème de cassis, cured tobacco and anise notes in this seamless, full-bodied red. A dense and concentrated version, with a long, savory finish firmed by supple, well-knit tannins." Wine Spectator

"The 2011 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is an incredible wine that has magically managed to maintain the fresh acidity associated with the cooler part of the growing season. It also shows the inky black concentration and ripeness that is reflective of the hottest part of the summer. I am impressed by the tannic management, as the wine is silky and fine at this young stage; however, the underlying structure promises a long aging future, should you chose to put your bottle aside. Overall, this vintage is slightly more accessible and ready to drink if you don't have the patience for cellar aging." Wine Advocate

"The strongest wine in my selection, yet this magnificent Amarone's alcohol is barely visible thanks to its astonishing depth, texture and sumptuousness. Pressed black fruits seep with fruit essences; smoke and cinders; herbal complexities; teasing floral notes, all engraved into a palate that expresses creamy finesse but without a trace of superfluous fat, heat or obviousness. Beautifully crafted, as dignified as any grand Barolo." Decanter

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in a magnum bottle. Brilliant dark ruby. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby with a tendency towards black, violet rim. In the nose of graphite, incense, only slightly of blackberries and cassis, seems a bit closed. On the palate incredibly dense, concentrated, multi-layered, at the same time gripping and taut, enormously fine-meshed tannin, has a lot of dark berry fruit, reverberates for a very long time, finishes powerful and imposing." Falstaff

"A velvety, full-bodied version, loaded with blackberry coulis, baked black cherry and tar-tinged smoke flavors that ripple across the palate. Offers lovely accents of dried mint, tobacco, iron and anise that echo on the firm finish. A powerhouse, with plenty in reserve." Wine Spectator

"It's not showy on the nose but is super-attractive, and it just grows more so the more time you spend with it. On the palate it's rich, deep, magnificently tannic and long - an absolutely unbridled Amarone, yet at the same time of extraordinary resonance, authority and subtlety. An Amarone masterclass!" Decanter

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a beautifully complete wine, even at this young stage in its life. You feel the youth of the wine in the tightness of the tannins and in the finely knit texture of its concentrated flavor profile. The big surprise is the wine's fresh acidity that has been carefully safeguarded despite the heat of the vintage and the drying process so deftly executed at this landmark estate. The wine shows no sign of oxidation or evolution, not yet. There is intricate fruit layering with cherry, blackberry, spice and mesquite delivered with such precision, that level of detail defies the very bold and opulent essence of the wine. It has only just started its evolutionary journey." Wine Advocate

"There is a massive amount of pleasure to be found in the 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta. It blends elegance with power while contrasting rich dark fruits against sweet herbal tones and spices to create a seductive expression from start to finish. Cherry and plum sauce, lavender, mint and sage can all be found upon first pour, yet it’s the developing notes of rum cake, mocha and licorice that complete the picture perfectly. This is velvety and pliant in texture yet not weighty, all balanced by juicy acids, tart fruits and just a hint of grippy tannins. Dark chocolate mixed with salty minerals under an air of sweet violet florals resonates throughout the finale. All of that said, the endnote here is remarkably fresh, as the 2012 never becomes tiring. This is firing on all cylinders yet with medium-term cellaring potential - but good luck keeping your hands off of it today." Vinous

"A decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, tons of black fruit such as blackberries and mulberries and even ash and licorice. A dense, layered mouthfeel makes for a full-bodied palate that's explosive yet somehow so refined and pretty all at the same time. The finish goes on and on." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in large formats. Dark and dense, it reveals an intense bouquet with marmalade-like aromas of red and dark fruits, alongside which spices and wood, tobacco and chocolate echo. At the same time, the youthful, stormy taste is an overwhelming demonstration of power. SUPERIORE.DE

"A harmonious Valpolicella in a richer style, displaying a lovely range of plumped black cherry, star anise, espresso crema, cured tobacco and fragrant smoke notes. The sinewy tannins are well-meshed, but lend weight and definition, and the lightly juicy acidity keeps this focused through to the lasting finish." Wine Spectator

"A remarkably concentrated red, redolent of dark-cherry ice cream, stuffed with chocolate-chip flakes that turn into meatier, earthier nuances of steak tartar and forest floor. Full-throttle and lavishly chewy, the tannins pucker all sides of the mouth with mesmerizing intensity; nevertheless they remain polished and acutely detailed, like an extravagant, wool-woven, Moroccan veil." James Suckling

"This is a terrific wine that stood out - and stood tall - despite the fact that it was tasted alongside some of Dal Forno's most important vintages of the top-shelf Amarone. If that's not a full-on recommendation, I don't know what is. The 2013 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta oozes forth with thick concentration and an inky black color. The mouthfeel is thick and impenetrable, and the senses are treated to a long succession of black fruit, tar, spice, smoke, mesquite and barbecue flavors. The wine is full-bodied and very opulent, but it carries that massive intensity with grace and precision. This Valpolicella Superiore is very nicely done." Wine Advocate

"From one of the most iconic wineries in the Orientale, this is aged for two years in oak and a further three in bottle. A proper meditation wine, great with game, strong cheeses or a cigar. It has a huge nose of stewed red fruits, ethereal bramble forest fruits and blackberry jam. Generous, with spicy, bitter cherry-stone freshness. Full-bodied with a rich, intense, spicy undertone." Decanter

Under the name "Cassetta Storico Monte Lodoletta", Romano dal Forno brings to market at irregular intervals a selection of choice top vintages that have been held back for many years and have been able to continue maturing carefully in the bottle in their own cellars. SUPERIORE.DE

2 bottles of 0,75l | "Monte Lodoletta" Amarone della Valpolicella DOC 2008

Sparkling, rich ruby with a light garnet edge. Intense bouquet of dark berries, plums, slightly raisiny, very balanced. On the palate almost explosive and multi-layered, with a wonderfully smooth texture like velvet and silk, then soft, sweetish and dense tannin, builds up endlessly. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Amarone della Valpolicella 2008 is convincing. With a little air, the tannins soften and release a multitude of intense dark aromas and flavours. Dark chocolate, cloves, violets, plums and blackberry jam cover every inch of the palate in a stunning Amarone that captures all the best qualities of the year. When Romano Dal Forno's wines are on fire, there is nothing quite like it, and that is certainly the case here. When opened young, the 2008 needs a little air. Actually, a lot of air." Vinous

Vinous: 98 points
Robert Parker: 96 points
Jancis Robinson: 18 points
James Suckling: 97 points
Alcohol content: 16,5 %vol
Storage potential: 2040+

1 bottle of 0,75l | "Monte Lodoletta" Amarone della Valpolicella DOC 2009

Monte Lodoletta 2009 exudes remarkable warmth and ripeness, with deep layers of Venezuelan dark chocolate, herbs, liquorice, smoke, dark fruit and toasted oak. For such a big wine, this Amarone has remarkable detail and nuance, and in an explosive style. On the palate, flavours of black plum, coffee liqueur, spice, tobacco, vanilla and herbs abound. A high alcohol, heady wine that is not for those who believe that less can be more. Everything is here in exuberant volume and it takes hours to get through this wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2009 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a full and generous expression, offering dense lines and robust aromas of dried blackberry, camphor, ash, exotic cedar, licorice and tarry road surface. This vintage saw average temperatures throughout the growing season with some hail storms. The very dry weather resulted in a slight drought in July and August, which led to the ripening and concentration of the grapes. I found this monumental wine irresistible when I first tasted it five years ago, and I believe it has improved since then. This is one of the most complete and comprehensive vintages Dal Forno has produced, and it gives us a comprehensive 360-degree view of the power, strength and potential of this iconic wine from Veneto. Its evolution shows no signs of slowing down." Wine Advocate

Robert Parker: 99 points
Vinous: 95 points
James Suckling: 98 points
Decanter: 97 points
Alcohol content: 16.5 %vol
Storage potential: 2042+

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in a magnum bottle. Brilliant dark ruby. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby with a tendency towards black, violet rim. In the nose of graphite, incense, only slightly of blackberries and cassis, seems a bit closed. On the palate incredibly dense, concentrated, multi-layered, at the same time gripping and taut, enormously fine-meshed tannin, has a lot of dark berry fruit, reverberates for a very long time, finishes powerful and imposing." Falstaff

"A velvety, full-bodied version, loaded with blackberry coulis, baked black cherry and tar-tinged smoke flavors that ripple across the palate. Offers lovely accents of dried mint, tobacco, iron and anise that echo on the firm finish. A powerhouse, with plenty in reserve." Wine Spectator

"It's not showy on the nose but is super-attractive, and it just grows more so the more time you spend with it. On the palate it's rich, deep, magnificently tannic and long - an absolutely unbridled Amarone, yet at the same time of extraordinary resonance, authority and subtlety. An Amarone masterclass!" Decanter

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a beautifully complete wine, even at this young stage in its life. You feel the youth of the wine in the tightness of the tannins and in the finely knit texture of its concentrated flavor profile. The big surprise is the wine's fresh acidity that has been carefully safeguarded despite the heat of the vintage and the drying process so deftly executed at this landmark estate. The wine shows no sign of oxidation or evolution, not yet. There is intricate fruit layering with cherry, blackberry, spice and mesquite delivered with such precision, that level of detail defies the very bold and opulent essence of the wine. It has only just started its evolutionary journey." Wine Advocate

"There is a massive amount of pleasure to be found in the 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta. It blends elegance with power while contrasting rich dark fruits against sweet herbal tones and spices to create a seductive expression from start to finish. Cherry and plum sauce, lavender, mint and sage can all be found upon first pour, yet it’s the developing notes of rum cake, mocha and licorice that complete the picture perfectly. This is velvety and pliant in texture yet not weighty, all balanced by juicy acids, tart fruits and just a hint of grippy tannins. Dark chocolate mixed with salty minerals under an air of sweet violet florals resonates throughout the finale. All of that said, the endnote here is remarkably fresh, as the 2012 never becomes tiring. This is firing on all cylinders yet with medium-term cellaring potential - but good luck keeping your hands off of it today." Vinous

"A decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, tons of black fruit such as blackberries and mulberries and even ash and licorice. A dense, layered mouthfeel makes for a full-bodied palate that's explosive yet somehow so refined and pretty all at the same time. The finish goes on and on." James Suckling

Three years after the Annata, Romano and his sons launch a small edition of the same vintage in a magnum bottle. Brilliant dark ruby. Fresh, silky, elegant - and majestic. Blackberry jam, violets, bittersweet chocolate, plus crushed rock and minerality. An opulent wine with fabulously polished tannins and considerable ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Impenetrable ruby with a tendency towards black, violet rim. In the nose of graphite, incense, only slightly of blackberries and cassis, seems a bit closed. On the palate incredibly dense, concentrated, multi-layered, at the same time gripping and taut, enormously fine-meshed tannin, has a lot of dark berry fruit, reverberates for a very long time, finishes powerful and imposing." Falstaff

"A velvety, full-bodied version, loaded with blackberry coulis, baked black cherry and tar-tinged smoke flavors that ripple across the palate. Offers lovely accents of dried mint, tobacco, iron and anise that echo on the firm finish. A powerhouse, with plenty in reserve." Wine Spectator

"It's not showy on the nose but is super-attractive, and it just grows more so the more time you spend with it. On the palate it's rich, deep, magnificently tannic and long - an absolutely unbridled Amarone, yet at the same time of extraordinary resonance, authority and subtlety. An Amarone masterclass!" Decanter

"The 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta is a beautifully complete wine, even at this young stage in its life. You feel the youth of the wine in the tightness of the tannins and in the finely knit texture of its concentrated flavor profile. The big surprise is the wine's fresh acidity that has been carefully safeguarded despite the heat of the vintage and the drying process so deftly executed at this landmark estate. The wine shows no sign of oxidation or evolution, not yet. There is intricate fruit layering with cherry, blackberry, spice and mesquite delivered with such precision, that level of detail defies the very bold and opulent essence of the wine. It has only just started its evolutionary journey." Wine Advocate

"There is a massive amount of pleasure to be found in the 2012 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta. It blends elegance with power while contrasting rich dark fruits against sweet herbal tones and spices to create a seductive expression from start to finish. Cherry and plum sauce, lavender, mint and sage can all be found upon first pour, yet it’s the developing notes of rum cake, mocha and licorice that complete the picture perfectly. This is velvety and pliant in texture yet not weighty, all balanced by juicy acids, tart fruits and just a hint of grippy tannins. Dark chocolate mixed with salty minerals under an air of sweet violet florals resonates throughout the finale. All of that said, the endnote here is remarkably fresh, as the 2012 never becomes tiring. This is firing on all cylinders yet with medium-term cellaring potential - but good luck keeping your hands off of it today." Vinous

"A decadent nose of treacle tart, chocolate, tar, tons of black fruit such as blackberries and mulberries and even ash and licorice. A dense, layered mouthfeel makes for a full-bodied palate that's explosive yet somehow so refined and pretty all at the same time. The finish goes on and on." James Suckling