Tommasi Tommasi Rafaèl Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2021 750ml

The 2021 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Rafael is wonderfully fresh, with a perfumed blend of dried roses, violets and chalk dust giving way to wild blueberries. This sweeps across the palate, lifted and refined, with silky textures and juicy red berry fruits that swirl throughout. It tapers off classically dry, with a gentle staining of tannins and a bump of acidity that keeps the taster looking back to the glass for more. (Eric Guido)

This expressive red partners a savory base note of fresh loamy earth and an overtone of balsamico herbs and spices with a sweeter profile of juicy plumped black cherry, red licorice, violet and dark chocolate. Fresh and harmonious, with lightly chewy tannins firming the finish. Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara. Drink now through 2028. 12,000 cases made, 5,000 cases imported. (Alison Napjus)

A solid expression of Ripasso with no shortage of oak tannins. Notes of camphor, forest floor, dark fruit, menthol, aniseed and spruce. The mid-palate packs plenty of flavor and yet there is an undeniable freshness that confers lift, energy and impressive length. This wine is barely mid-weighted, and yet the intensity of flavor suggests something with more body. Welcome astringency in the finish. Good drinking. Drink or hold.