Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Dec/2023

2020 -

"The 2020 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso opens with a rich blend of autumnal spices and dried black cherries, complemented by a dusting of cocoa. This smooths over the palate with glycerol textures and ultra-ripe wild berry fruits, contrasted by a core of zesty acidity. It tapers off with tremendous length and potency, leaving a staining of primary concentration and a coating of sweet tannins that frame the experience well, without slowing its momentum—a testament to the importance of the Ripasso category."

James Suckling, Apr/2023

2020 -

"Licorice root, clove, terracotta, sage, mint and pithy maraschino cherry, with a curb of herbal tannins bracing the long, warming finish. Impressive expansion and length to this highly regional, full-weighted expression. Very good Ripasso. Drink or hold."

Wine Spectator, Feb/2024

2020 -

"A bright, medium-bodied red, with floral and spice notes accenting macerated cherry and strawberry fruit flavors. Well-meshed, with light, taut tannins and accents of red licorice, smoke and dried herbs lingering on the finish. Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone. Drink now through 2027. 50,000 cases made, 3,000 cases imported."

James Suckling, Aug/2022

2019 -

"Notes of ripe berries, walnuts, light spices, dried orange rind and dark chocolate. Medium-bodied with firm tannins and lively, crunchy fruit character. Ripe and concentrated, yet clean and fresh at the same time. Lingering finish. Drink or hold."

Wine Enthusiast, Mar/2023

2019 -

"Dried fig and black cherry aromas are the core of this classic wine from the Veneto. Aromas of clove, cinnamon and chocolate support the fruity aromas. The frame of the palate is sturdy with fine tannins and moderate acidity while flavors of dried flowers, herbs and cherries integrate perfectly."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Dec/2022

2019 -

"Dark and brooding in the glass, the 2019 Valpolicella Superiore Classico Ripasso grumbles up with a mix of crushed plums and cherries complemented by savory herbs and tobacco. This really comes to life on the palate, with vibrant acidity that enlivens its tart wild berry fruits, yet there's a sneaky concentration here that slowly saturates. The 2019 cleans up beautifully through the finish, lightly structured and long, leaving balsamic spice and dried orange hints lingering."

Wine Spectator, 2023

2019 -

"Boasts baked black cherry, mocha and spices enmeshed with savory hints of dried herbs and smoke on a medium-bodied frame. Reveals light, creamy tannins, with a moderate finish. Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Oct/2023

2019 -

"The Tommasi 2019 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso has a spot of sweetness with dried cherry and raspberry. There is a candied element with dark fruit that is characteristic of the Ripasso method in which a second fermentation occurs on the skins of dried fruit."

James Suckling, Aug/2021

2018 -

"Lightly exotic nose of ripe raspberries, prunes and a hint of orange zest. Medium-bodied with a tight, intense bead of fruit, very fine tannins and lovely chocolate orange at the end. Lots to like here. Drink now."

Daenna Van Mulligen, Winescores.ca, Jul/2022

2018 -

"The aromas are as expected, plush. Dried cherries, prune, vanilla, sweet coffee, baking spices and saddle leather, licorice, balsamic and kirsch. The palate is also generous but not ponderous; good fruit expression, coffee, baking spices, vanilla and cocoa flavours dominate. Beautifully balanced, lengthy and wonderful to drink. Pair with rich slow roasted meat dishes or finish with strong, hard cheeses or dark chocolate."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Jan/2022

2018 -

"The 2018 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso lifts up, with lavender and violets giving way to rich brown spice and crushed cherries. This is round and pliant yet salty in character with ample black fruits and sweet inner herbal tones. There’s a nervous character to the 2018 that plays with the palate, giving it a sultry feel, while tapering off long yet fresh and juicy, lightly structured and savory with violet candies and cherry berry fruits."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec/2021

2018 -

"The Tommasi 2018 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso is less intense, especially compared to the much riper 2017 vintage, but it ultimately shows better balance. This blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Corvinone reveals aromas of dark fruit and black cherry, and there are soft tones of spice and pressed rose at the edges. To the palate, the wine offers a slender approach with an easy-drinking style."

James Suckling, Nov/2019

2017 -

"Dried redcurrants and strawberries meet fragrant tea leaves and mooncake character. Medium body with a beautiful sweet-and-sour character and a tangy finish with a touch of dried fruit. Drink now."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Jan/2021

2017 -

"The 2017 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso is deeply alluring with dusty purple-tinged florals, sweet spices and black currants. Here I’m finding silky, cool-toned textures, further accentuated by vibrant acids, as mineral-tinged wild berries and hints of lavender soothe the senses. There’s beautiful symmetry and persistence, coming across as powerful and dense yet remaining energetic, as dark fruits linger long. This is really quite beautiful and a great value in its category."

James Suckling, Nov/2018

2016 -

“Shows plenty of ripeness with dried-berry and floral character on the nose. Medium body and firm, silky tannins. Chewy and intense. Structured. Needs a year or two to soften. Better in 2020.”

James Suckling, Oct/2017

2015 -

Wine Enthusiast, Feb/2018

2015 -

"Aromas of dried black fruit, tobacco and carob lead the nose while the savory palate delivers prune, blackberry jam and a licorice accent. Velvety tannins provide polish. Drink through 2022."

James Suckling, Nov/2016

2014 -

"A medium-bodied red with a solid core of fruit and ultra-fine tannins. Shows finesse and length. Drink now."

Wine Spectator, Oct/2016

2014 -

"Pretty spice and floral accents lace the black cherry puree, fig cake and mineral notes in this creamy red. Light- to medium-bodied and fresh, with a subtle finish. Drink now through 2019. 25,000 cases made."

James Suckling, Oct/2015

2013 -

"A red with dried-berry, cedar, flower and almond aromas and flavours. Medium body, lovely fruit and a flavorful finish. Drink now."