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.

Rich and enveloping, this Ripasso unfolds with waves of dripping ripe plums, blackberry jam, and fresh figs, while delicate violet perfume lifts the wine out of the glass. A backbone of smoke and earth grounds the wine, adding complexity without heaviness. The palate shows impressive depth and concentration yet maintains poise through its savory finish, a balancing act that keeps you coming back for more rather than weighing you down.

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.