96pts International Wine Cellar

The 2010 Valpolicella Superiore is a utterly fascinating wine from Dal Forno in this vintage. Composed from 70% Corvina and Corvina Grossa, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Oseleta, the selected grapes are then placed in plastic plateaux and are left to rest for 45 days in large open rooms, where an innovative ventilation system helps maintain an elevated and thorough air flow. After the racking process, the Valpolicella rests for a few days in stainless steel tanks and subsequently is placed in new barriques to mature for 36 long months. The result is a wine which displays a pitch dark, inky color, followed by complex aromatics of ripe black currants, black cherries, mission figs woven together with espresso, grilled herbs, bittersweet chocolate, graphite and some earthy loam and straw characteristics all taking shape in this seductive Valpolicella. On this palate this is full-bodied with beautifully polished tannins and remarkable overall structure and balance, with impressive minerality at it core. It all comes together beautifully on the long, expansive finish which lingers on and on. It seems as if this wine continues to improve in quality each vintage, and the 2010 is the most compelling Valpolicella I have ever tasted from the estate. Overall, this is another total success from the Dal Forno Family. (Best 2019-2030)

95pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2010 Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is more precise and focused compared to the 2011 edition that I tasted at the estate at the same time. This was not an easy vintage in Valpolicella compared to other parts of Italy that enjoyed a classic growing season. Instead, this Northern corner of Italy suffered from heavy rains and some hail damage. Overall yields were lower as a result. But the wine sings in terms of its brightness and aromatic intensity today. The expressive bouquet covers all the bases from black fruit to spice to drying mineral or flint. All of these elements conspire to bring robust flavors together with smooth and seamless transitions.

95pts James Suckling

Amazing aromas of dried fruits, burnt orange and walnut skin. Full-bodied, chewy and very rich and dry, with wonderful tannin-fruit tension. It's layered, textured and complex. A triumph. Drink now.

92pts Wine Spectator

Leather, spice, violet and smoke aromas and flavors are an aromatic entry for this expressive red, wafting through notes of plumped black cherry, underbrush and smoky mineral. Firm and dense, but with an overall sense of finesse to the marriage of structure and flavor. Drink now through 2025.

Winemaker Notes

Valpolicella offers hints of blueberry, blackberry, cherry and chocolate which emerge gradually as the wine breathes. The potent tannins, which give structure to this product, are in perfect symbiosis with the velvety aromas of sweet spices and jam which envelop the palate and excite the senses.
It is suffice to say that time can do nothing other than benefit a wine so extremely fresh and fruity.

Blend: 70% Corvina and Corvina grossa, 20% Rondinella, 5% Croatina, 5% Oseleta.