December 17, 2017 - bought this 15 years ago - worth the wait!
April 5, 2013 - Bill's Monthly Lunch - April 2013 (Vancouver, BC): Tasted blind – Ripe nose of grape juice, loads of black pepper and sweet dark fruits. On the palate this is soft and smooth with good acidity, soft tannins and more sweet fruit. Well-balanced and with good length. I’m usually not the biggest fan of Valpolicella but this was quite good. Very good.
December 27, 2011 - - Brick color - Very nice bottle, still with some life left. A little out of balance right out of the bottle, but opened beautifully. Great earthiness, leather and dried fruit (raisin). Depth of flavor masks high alcohol.
March 16, 2011 - On its way down, a bit tart and lacking much of the tannic structure I remember. Decanted and served immediately.
March 13, 2010 - Rich texture, opulent dark raisiny fruit with rolling tannins and a long, even finish. Served right out of the bottle with no filter or decanter. Minimal change after 1.5 hours open.
February 27, 2010 - Twice filtered - the 1999 needs this at least once - upon opening but not decanted. Surprisingly deep in colour considering its age. Very figgy...much like a young tawny port but without as much alcohol. Very approachable now...good now but, amazingly, may age a few more years. Elegant and difficult to pair superbly but will go well enough with a rich red pasta or a dessert. I would heartily recommend to any wine lover who also appreciates a good tawny port.
August 29, 2009 - Fantasitc wine - decant first
December 1, 2006 - Darl, almost black color. Dark fruit aroma with a hint of mint! Flavor of spice and dark plums and leather all with a prominent frutiness. Long, spicy finish. Not enough acid to make it really shine.
April 8, 2006 - (served blind) Lots of orangey volatile acidity on the nose, along with syrup of figs and tobacco. Big, full and fruity on the palate, and quite portlike. Presumably Amarone, and not especially young. Fooled a bit by this having been open a couple of days. Very Good+
March 25, 2005 - Deep garnet color. Aroma of black cherries and chocolate. Taste of cherries. Leaves hint of tannin in the mouth.