2001 Valpolicella Classico Superiore

The 2001 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is terrific. This is an especially rich, concentrated Valpolicella from Quintarelli loaded with dark fruit, spices, earthiness, licorice and leather. The finish is long, sweet and harmonious. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2019. It’s always a bit of a challenge to keep up with Giuseppe Quintarelli as he doesn’t follow a predictable schedule; the wines are simply released when he feels they are ready. Originally the 2000 Alzero was scheduled to be released this fall, but work in the vineyards pushed back the timetable a few months and I wasn’t able to taste the wine in time for this article. I have had the pleasure and privilege of drinking a number of Quintarelli’s older, benchmark wines over the last few months, and at their best, they have no peers. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999