The 2017 Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella is a proprietary blend from the Veneto region of Italy. This red wine, produced by Dal Forno Romano, is sealed with a cork and boasts an alcohol content of 15.0%. This vintage has received high praise from several esteemed wine reviewers.
James Suckling awarded this wine a score of 96, noting its "dried black fruit on the nose and palate," complemented by "hints of black licorice, toasted walnuts, and gentler notes of dried flowers and herbs." Suckling describes the palate as "full-bodied" with "very silky" initial impressions, followed by "firm, very fine tannins" that enhance the fruit and extend the finish. According to Suckling, the wine will become more approachable as the tannins soften in about two years, though it is best suited for long-term cellaring.
Jane Anson, who gave the wine a score of 93, highlights the "bitter edge of Amarone" and a "powerful purity of black cherry, autumnal berry, and pomegranate fruits." Anson also mentions flavors of "crushed biscuits, tar, woodsmoke, cocoa bean, espresso, cinnamon, and black pepper spice, with a burst of kirsch." She praises the wine’s potential to "power through the decades."
Wine Spectator also rated this wine highly, giving it a score of 95. They describe it as "a dark, brooding red" with a range of "kirsch, blackberry paste, dried mint, and eucalyptus flavors," balanced by "sculpted tannins and a rich streak of minerality." The publication lauds its "concentration and power," as well as its balance and restraint, suggesting it can be enjoyed now through 2035.
Decanter echoes these sentiments, awarding the wine a score of 96 and emphasizing its "sheer power and intensity." They describe the wine as a "time capsule" with "a bottomless depth of rich and intense but still juicy fruit," alongside "coursing acidity and mouth-puckering tannins" that maintain "astonishing harmony."
Vinous, offering the highest score of 97, describes the wine as "dark, sultry and almost animalistic." The review mentions flavors such as "crushed fall leaves, earth tones, macerated black cherries, cedar shavings, spiced cookies, and a hint of camphor." They commend the wine for its "velvety textures," "fantastic energy," and "stimulating acidity," noting that despite its significant structure, the tannins are "sweet," and the wine remains "remarkably fresh, almost crunchy."
Overall, the 2017 Dal Forno Romano Amarone della Valpolicella is celebrated for its complexity, depth, and aging potential, making it a noteworthy addition to any cellar.