January 27, 2024 - Holy Moly Amarone (DP's, Goose Hollow, Portland OR): The nose is deep and layered with a distinct wood note striking immediately that lays back into black currants, black cherries, ground coffee, black raspberries, wood spice, vanilla extract, herbs, and some licorice. The full bodied feel is polished and balanced with crisp, medium acidity and silky, medium+ tannins. This is a real powerhouse and when it was revealed it wasn't surprising given how good it was. This is really in a groove and it feels like it will hold for a while.
December 6, 2023 - Needed air. Very darkly colored, with a really fragrant nose of ripe blackberries, dried rose petals, scented geranium, toffee candies. Powerful yet balanced, the palate seamlessly blends cocoa with cassis liqueur, bitter orange and roast chestnuts. Very long finish.
Outstanding, but what would you ideally serve this with? Might pair best with a very garlicky, gamey leg of lamb rubbed with herbes de province and a strong olive oil. Or cassoulet, perhaps.
December 4, 2023 - Amarone tasting (at my home): Appearance:
Color: Deep, inky red
Clarity: Crystal clear
Legs: Long, slow-moving legs
Nose:
Aromas: Ripe blackberries, dried rose petals, scented geranium, toffee candies, cocoa, cassis liqueur, bitter orange, roast chestnuts
Intensity: Intense
Complexity: Complex
Palate:
Body: Full-bodied
Acidity: Medium-high
Tannins: Medium-plus
Alcohol: 16.5%
Flavors: Blackberries, plums, raisins, chocolate, coffee, spices
Finish: Long, lingering
Overall:
This Amarone is a classic example of the style. It is powerful and complex, with a deep, rich flavor profile. The fruit is ripe and concentrated, with a touch of sweetness. The tannins are well-integrated and the acidity provides balance. The finish is long and lingering.
November 11, 2023 - Dal Forno Romano Tasting (Hedonism London): 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.
July 24, 2023 - Very deep dark purple-violet with lots of sediment floating around. Coffee and cigar tobacco on the nose. Thick, viscous, chewy texture with sweet blueberries dominating with smoke and dark fruits. Fantastic.
July 20, 2023 - Super youthful but still showing well with a zen-like texture and fabulous flavors of tarpit, black fruits and minerals. So lifted for a wine with such elevated alcohol which I don’t feel at all. That’s the magic of Dal Forno and Quintarelli and its what makes these wine so unique. Lovely with upside. 94+
March 2, 2023 - A brilliant wine. Chocolate, mint, a hint of eucalyptus, some rubber and a hint of tobacco. This could have well been mistaken for an Australian Shiraz. It maintains elegance and freshness, despite the high alcohol, which it integrates surprisingly well, even at room temperature.
February 16, 2023 - Amarone tasting (at my home): Hedonistic at opening
after 3 hours: outstanding, powerful, complexed, rich flavors
January 28, 2023 - Decanted 3 hrs. Absolutely brilliant!
January 13, 2023 - Rich, intense flavor - smells like over ripe plums; tastes like stems, smoke and leather