Dal Forno Amarone 2008

Vapolicella, Veneto, Italy

The nose is so evocative and so herbal, it’s almost like a Chinato or Vermouth! It’s intensely savoury and woody, with notes of charred wood, grilled duck with griotte cherries, tea-soaked prunes, dried herbs, cracked black pepper, late season raspberries, violets. The alcohol is immense but perfectly integrated. It is concentrated but with a deftness, neither cloying nor mouth-coating. Pleasantly bitter. Very, very long and intense finish that evolves and has you coming back for more. Drink 2020-2040.

Rating: 96/100