2002 Giuseppe Quintarelli Valpolicella Classico Superiore

The 2002 Valpolicella Classico Superiore is fascinating. As hard as it is to believe the 2002 still needs time to drop some if its baby fat. Today the 2002 comes across as plump, juicy and very young. I would not be surprised to see the 2002 overachieve in a few years- time. I have seen it time and again with Quintarelli's lesser-priced wines, and this bottling in particular. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2022. Giuseppe Quintarelli's passing earlier this year left a huge void in the wine world that isn't likely to ever be filled. Veneto is a fascinating region with tons of untapped potential, yet only one or two other producers have managed to make hypnotic, life-changing wines such as those that are found in these tiny cramped cellars in Negrar. At their best, Quintarelli's wines had no equal. I only hope the estate continues the tradition of making these idiosyncratic, compelling wines. Importer: Robert Chadderdon Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 332-4999