Ca' del Laito Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore Corvina Blend

Another wine I bought from Garagiste but then was shocked when it came in that it was 15.5%. So I waited to have it with a very rich Italian braised chuck roast, and hoped that the body and alcohol would cut through the richness of the food. Bingo! It was an inspired pairing. The nose is complex, with macerated plum, leather, humus, baking spice, violets. In the mouth the alcohol is prominent, but the flavors are relatively intense and not jammy. This really needs a rich braised meat dish to not seem jarringly out of balance. I’ll give it a 9.1, but with that caveat.

The 2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso Ca'del Laito impresses with its lift and grace, as autumnal spiced cherry-berry fruits are complemented by hints of sweet oak. Ripe red/black berries coast along a core of acids. Hints of dark chocolate and clove come forward toward the close. $25.00 (Eric Guido, Vinous, March 2022)

2016 vintage. Black cherry, red plum, red currant, wild strawberry, hibiscus, sandalwood, tree bark, licorice, dried lavender. Very layered, with an almost sweet quality to the tannin. Good balance between fruit and earth and spice.

cherries, dry. nice find

The winemakers are very dedicated and doing some interesting wines. The property is beautiful. One of our favorites from the area.

Super smooth

Earthy, medium full bodied. Had at David’s 60th in Wallingford

At pasta class for Dad’s birthday. Dry with sweet undertones. Not the best but not the worst red I’ve had

Good deep color, low tannins and a bit of pepper. Will hold up well for a steak

2018