The 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Ripassa is dark and brooding in the glass with rich plum and mocha complicated by crushed ashen stone. This is surprisingly juicy and energetic within, blending sour cherry with notes of sage and black olive over a core of brisk acidity. The 2019 leaves the cheeks puckered while finishing full of tension and spicy as a balsamic flourish slowly tapers off.

An elegant red, medium-bodied and fresh, with light, fine tannins framing a juicy range of sun-dried cherry and cranberry fruit, red licorice, eucalyptus and spiced orange peel notes that linger on the finish. Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone. Drink now through 2029.

This wine has a beautiful balance between fruit and non-fruit aromas from the start. Aromas of wild plums, dried leaves and fresh flowers each share the moment in the glass. The palate is soft and fruit-forward, highlighting black cherry flavors at the core of the palate. This fruitiness is supported by notes of turned earth and Dutch-process cocoa on the finish.