WTN: La Roselle Ripasso Valpolicella Classico Superiore 2005

Cantina de Negrar

Moderate dark cherry red in the glass.

Lovely expressive nose of red roses, earth and leather.

Very rich, thick, somewhat creamy, stewed cherry and raspberry fruit, leather, chocolate, slightly raisined, lightly floral, smoke, with a nice bitter bite. With time, the bitterness increased, but the wine was still quite enjoyable.

A long finish, leather, smoke and drying bitterness.

One of the better red wines I have had in a while.

Purchased on sale at $12.70 (Canadian).

[Robin Garr]

Thanks for following up with that report, Bruce! A number of the characteristics you describe, especially cherry (I often get dried cherries) and that bitter note, strike me as characteristic of Valpolicella, and certainly the Ripasso process turns on the afterburners. Sounds like you got a fine deal at the LCBO.

Yeah, from what I remember, this is a pretty good house. Used to be available here, should check with liquor board website.

FWIW:

http://www.cantinanegrar.it/english/scheda.aspx?id=21

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for the Ripasso note. I love ripassos with pasta, especially with a hearty tomato sauce. I always have some in my cellar. This one sounds like a winner and a good QPR too.