Ah yes, I have been waiting a long time for this one. Funny, you can still find this wine in some wine shops, but at least I know mine has been cellared properly all these years. Anyway, while it is decanting, let's have a chat about this creation from Valpolicella. First off, I should mention this wine has received 91 Points respectively from the Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator and Robert Parker. The second note I will mention is that it is composed entirely of 100% Corvina Veronese that is usually not vinified as a stand alone wine, but rather used in blends for the production of Amarone and Recioto. Now that you have the facts, let's investigate a little further.
Corvina originated in the Veneto in the Valpolicella zone, near the city of Verona and is characterized by bright, relatively delicate cherry fruit flavors, with elevated acidity and pronounced aromas strongly marked by bitter almond and spice. It usually produces a full bodied, intense and elegant red. Upon first glance, the wine has somewhat of a burnt red color. It also has a pretty big nose, with some heat still coming up for the glass. Strong notes of raisin, earth, burlap, dark over-ripened plum with lighter tones of caramel and toasted almonds.
At first sip, the wine was actually a little hot with some large tannins, but these would soften nicely over the course of the night. However, I recall tasting this wine five years ago, and it was indeed more enjoyable and fresher then. But not all is lost as it still retains its classy and complex style while continuing to impress with its solid frame. Rich dark berry and spicy almond palate, followed by a very long and balanced texture. It was rather full of sediment, and as we consumed most of the wine, it became more dark and gritty, but still retained some softness and grace. It is definitely a very distinctive wine but overall a nice way to spend the evening.
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