Ravazzol Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2016

Dense purple, dark core, violet reflections

The first nose reveals an incredible richness of facets. Very discreetly, my thoughts drift off in the direction of rum pot. So fully concentrated fruit, sultanas, hazelnuts and aromatic depth. Plums, raspberries, sweet cherries and blackberries show up in full glory alongside figs. However, it also reminds a little of great Oloroso from Jerez. Hints of dried fruits, paired with nuts and a hint of car tyres are often found there - and the combination is excellent! Dark chocolate, roasted coffee beans and cocoa butter add another dimension. It also delicately hints at dried Mediterranean herbs like oregano, rosemary and thyme. The herbs are joined by ethereal spicy notes of juniper and cubeb pepper. Last but not least, he marries black olives with fine tobacco leaves of Cuban origin.

On the palate, it is compact and extremely close-knit. Fortunately, contrary to the lush fruit expectations, it does not show any over-concentration. The fruit comes through wonderfully, but experiences plenty of headwind in the glass. A mineral coolness cloaks the fruit. The present but restrained acidity complements this idea perfectly. The fine tannin supports it and forms its backbone. On the palate and especially in the finish, the ethereal notes take over. Eucalyptus and peppermint in particular provide additional freshness and deliver very helpful finesse. It is above all the slate soils of the region that bring this wine to life. Its elegant, cool structure is almost unique in the context of this origin.