Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella 2004

The Valpolicella Superiore 2004 is made like a miniature Amarone: semi-dried grapes, extended maceration, and aging in small barriques. The 2004 explodes from the glass with cassis, ripe plums, wild berries, balsamic herbs, dark chocolate, and espresso, with firm, chewy tannins that prove this still has aging potential.

Romano Dal Forno is the undisputed titan of Valpolicella — a winemaker so dedicated that, as the saying goes, he knows every grape on his vines. His 65 exquisitely tended acres in Val d'Illasi produce some of the finest wines on the planet, with yields kept to an astonishing 11 ounces of grapes per vine through meticulous green harvesting.

Food Pairing: Braised short ribs, aged hard cheeses, wild boar, roasted lamb, truffle-based dishes.