2008 Dal Forno Romano Vigneto Monte Lodoletta Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

(95 Points) A back-vintage release completes the trio of wines released by Dal Forno onto the Place for the first time this year. The aromatics on this are divine - floral tones, incense, cough syrup but in a caramelised burnt sugar kind of way, toasted bread, smoke, sour cherries , blackcurrants with purple flowers, dark chocolate and tobacco. Focussed and direct on the palate, much more serious and austere and tight than I was expecting, strict and tense, the tannins giving the narrow frame from which the wine flows but it's super long. It has purity, clean and clear, delineated nicely but tannins restrict the pleasure a little and this loses a bit of push towards the finish. The heat also lingers a touch with some dryness. Compelling complexity with plenty of power and punch. 10% Croatina completes the blend. - Decanter