2008 Dal Forno Amarone Della Valpolicella

Wine Watch Review:  Lots of dark cherry liqueur like fruit, sweet tobacco spice and dark coco notes some of that play dough like clay minerality that defines Valpolicella, some graphite and toasty oak, very rich and opening up nicely as this wine gets more air.  Thick and chewy on the tonue but with great freshness through the finish, very fresh and lively even though this wine is 17% alcohol, lots of sweet cherry liqueur like fruit with bitter chocolate notes.  Finish 50+     Most Excellent +

(98 points) 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. (AG)  (3/2014)  Vinous