Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella 2017

Dal Forno Romano stands alongside Giuseppe Quintarelli as the ultimate reference point for fine Italian wine. Dubbed the "Grape King" and the "Anarchist of Valpolicella," Romano Dal Forno transformed traditional Venetian winemaking through a fanatical pursuit of quality. Refusing to release an Amarone in sub-par vintages, such as 2005, 2007, and 2014, the estate declassifies compromised harvests so that every bottle bearing the Amarone label represents an absolute, uncompromised masterpiece.

To achieve unmatched purity during the traditional drying (appassimento) process, Dal Forno engineered proprietary fans blowing purified air over the grapes, eliminating rot while preventing oxidation to lock in hyper-vibrant fruit flavors. Despite pushing a massive 16.5% to 17.5% ABV, Dal Forno Amarone balances extraordinary power with silky, weightless elegance—delivering dense layers of dark cherry liqueur, espresso, bitter chocolate, leather, and crushed stone. Built to cellar gracefully for 30 to 50+ years, this is a true bucket-list bottle that redefines what red wine can physically achieve.

98 Points - James Suckling

The current release. A tour de force, despite the sheer morass of palate-staining fruit. The malty oak is evident, yet operates as a welcome adjunct to corral and compress the swashbuckle of coffee grinds, beef bouillon, mint, leather varnish and saturated dark cherry liqueur, into a sheath of tension as much as sheer power. Grapes are dried for 70-80 days. This may seem obvious initially, but as one works it out in the glass and across the inner gums, the multitudinous layers become evident. A wine that shape-shifts and beguiles, as much it wrestles with the senses. Excellent. Drink or hold.

97 Points - Vinous

With the 2016 still being held for release down the road as it slowly comes into focus, today it's the 2017 Amarone della Valpolicella Monte Lodoletta that is being released into the market. This is dark, sultry and almost animalistic in nature, as crushed fall leaves and earth tones open the experience, giving way to masses of macerated black cherries, cedar shavings, spiced cookies and a lifting hint of camphor. It floods the palate with velvety textures while maintaining fantastic energy, as stimulating acidity adds unexpected vibrancy, and tart wild berries slowly saturate. While structured, the tannins are sweet, and the wine remains remarkably fresh, almost crunchy, as an air of inner rose and balsam herbs slowly fades. Frankly, I can't believe the 2017 finished at 16% abv, because it is simply so palatable and charming.