Speri Speri Valpolicella Ripasso Classico Superiore 2022 750ml

Super pretty nose from the start with aromas of ripe red and black-hued fruits that give way to more savory aromas of laurel and green pepper. An expressive palate with vibrant acidity and a balance between fruit and savory flavors add to the complexity of this expressive and fun wine.

The 2022 Valpolicella Ripasso Clássico Superiore mixes crushed blackberries with cloves, shavings of pine and stone dust to create its alluring bouquet. This wine is pure elegance, round and supple, with waves of ripe wild berry fruits and a twang of citrus, all supported by fresh acidity. Gently tannic and incredibly long, it leaves nuances of plum and licorice while maintaining excellent freshness and finishing classically dry.

An outstanding producer of the region, managing to interplay a subtle generosity demanded of Ripasso with the sour, pithy crispness demanded by the drinker. Or at least those of us who actually want to drink the wine rather than mull over half a glass of motor oil. Red fruit, crushed musk, lilacs, kumquats and the vaguest hint of dried grapes, showing generosity over cloying sweetness. Brisk, refined and long. From organically grown grapes. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

Dark and almost smoky in the glass, the 2020 Valpolicella Superiore Classico Ripasso smolders up with a mix of musky red currants and savory herbs lifted by a hint of menthol. Silky smooth and with a pleasant inner sweetness, this soothes with ripe red fruits and saline-infused acidity. Licorice and lavender nuances are left to linger as this finishes only lightly structured and with finesse.

A fragrant red with notes of dried raspberries, strawberries, earth and dried flowers. Medium body with silky tannins and fresh acidity. Crunchy, with plenty of redcurrants in the finish. Not quite complex, but tasty, laid-back and easy to drink. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

A balanced, compact red framed by a tang of orange peel acidity and light, snappy tannins. Offers notes of ripe black and red cherry, dried flowers and herbs, with minerally iron and smoke accents. Lingering, spiced finish. Drink now through 2029. 11,000 cases made, 784 cases imported.