"Tasting this side by side with their 2021 Bardolino and their 2019 Tenuta Lena di Mezzo Valpolicello Classico Superiore, it is really interesting to observe the differences between these three wines made with the same grape varieties, in the same general region and all with stainless steel: the Bardolino from low-altitude, lake-side, morainic vineyards; and the Valpolicellas from much higher up, on volcanic soils, in vineyards much more impacted by strong winds and intense sunlight. The Bardolino was from the 'fresher' 2021 vintage. But it's striking that despite the differences, the leitmotif of freshness and bird-song clarity and purity of these particular grape varieties shines through all three wines. This 2020 Classico tastes of wild plums and wild cherries tangled in hedgerows. A very soft hint of anise and cumin seed, blood-orange-tinged acidity, a heart tilted to ruby-raspberry tang. A wine with a very gentle soul swatched in gossamer-fine tannins. Achingly, silently persistent. Stunning in its purity of expression of place. Might this be one of the best 'straight' Valpolicella Classicos I've ever tasted." 17.5 Tamlyn Currie Jancis Robinson Purple Pages
Note this is the review for the 2020, we are now on 2022 which i thought every bit as good at a tasting in March 2024, fresh and livey but with a good depth of crunchy fruit.
