Wine Reviews

Sweet smoke and mountain herb notes are a fragrant, savory thread lacing the pureed raspberry, dark chocolate and licorice flavors in this fresh, minerally red, framed by crisp tannins. Subtle finish.

The 2015 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Il Bugiardo is a very exuberant, very full and fruit-forward wine. Showing ripe, sweet and dark fruit with sweet spice at the end, this would spread holiday cheer with a pumpkin ravioli. The wine has a silky-smooth texture, with a nice entry into the mouth, all framed by soft tannins. This Valpolicella sees only a light appassimento and a partial ripasso in small barrels.

The 2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Il Bugiardo displays an inviting mix of blackberries, sage, roses, chalk dust and hints of camphor. This is full-bodied with depths of silky textures and a dense core of dark fruits and minerals that are not quite ready to reveal all of their charms. The 2017 has a bit of a monolithic feel today, yet it’s also perfectly balanced, with a structure that can carry it for many years in the cellar – which would be advisable to allow it to unwind a bit.

This leads with an explosion of dark cherries and vanilla. Then come spices and earth. Dense and complex, but showing polish and form. Full-bodied, very structured and long on the finish. Drink from 2023.