A dark, rich Valpolicella, exuding steeped blackberry, date, ashy smoke and fragrant accents of violet, wild sage and warm brown bread. Medium-bodied and creamy, with supple tannins and a touch of coffee liqueur on the finish. Distinctive. Drink now through 2028. 2,000 cases made.

The 2018 Valpolicella Superiore Classico Ripasso Ca' del Laito shows a bit of volatility on the nose as masses of spiced cherry gives way to cloves and licorice. This washes across the palate, deeply textural and spicy, with ripe mineral-drench red and black fruits that saturate. balsam herbs and exotic spices are left to linger, as the 2018 finishes with impressive length and lightly structured.