The 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the greatest young wines I have ever tasted. This is an especially silky, elegant Amarone from Dal Forno that avoids the heaviness that some previous vintages have shown. The 2004 is an amazingly approachable young Amarone from Dal Forno. Blackberry jam, crushed rocks, minerals, violets, new leather and bittersweet chocolate are some of the nuances that emerge over time. This is every bit as majestic as it was every time I tasted it from barrel over the last few years. The silky, exceptionally polished tannins make the 2004 approachable today, but the wine will be even better in a few years.

The pureness of fruit here is incredible with a blackberry and blueberry character. Minerals and flowers too. Wow. Full and chewy with wonderful tension and intensity. It goes on for minutes. Racy with light sexy austerity. Great.

A delayed flowering in 2004 was followed by a warm, sunny summer with cool nights, perfect for preserving the balance of sugars and acidity. There was some hail in July, but the surviving grapes proved to be of excellent quality. This has a brooding nose of macerated cherries and medicinal notes. The fullest and tightest of his Amarones so far, it has huge tannins with tons of wood - a super-young and vibrant take that's yet to develop any tertiary characteristics. This is my standout wine from the tasting, not so much for what it is now, as for what it will become. There's so much potential here! Drinking Window 2023 - 2050
Tasted by James Button (at The Clove Club, London, 07 Mar 2018)
Part of Romano Dal Forno Amarone: 1988-2010

The 2004 Amarone della Valpolicella is one of the most monumental young wines I have ever tasted. This is an especially silky, elegant Amarone from Dal Forno that avoids the heaviness of some previous vintages. Blackberry jam, crushed rocks, minerals, violets, new leather and bittersweet chocolate are some of the nuances that emerge over time. This is every bit as majestic as it was every time I tasted it from barrel over the last few years. The silky, exceptionally polished tannins make the 2004 approachable today, but the wine will be even better in a few years. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. (Antonio Galloni)

Offers an amazing brilliant color of dark ruby red that's almost black. The nose shows subtle tar, black chocolate and crushed raspberry, and this is full and opulent on the palate, with fabulously polished tannins and a long, long finish. To be released and price to be determined. Drink now through 2020. — JS