Quintarelli Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva 2007

97 points Monica Larner (Wine Advocate): "The previous vintages of the wine immediately preceding this one are 2003 and 2000. Jump forward in time, and the 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva will linger on the market for a while because the estate has not yet decided which vintage will be next, but as a rule of thumb, the Riserva is only made two or maybe three times per decade. Only 5,838 bottles of this wine were produced. I'm told that the 2015, 2016 and 2017 vintages are all very strong contenders for Riserva status. In any case, this is the last Riserva to be made in Giuseppe Quintarelli's lifetime (he passed away in 2012). One of the criteria that makes a Riserva is the appassimento process that is extended by a couple of months here. This wine boasts 17% alcohol, and that enormous inner power is ultimately what drives this wine. That motor is enhanced by rich fullness, dense texture and beautifully balanced aromas of dried fruit, exotic spice, cigar box and moist potting soil. The quality of the aromas is absolutely clear and pristine, and the tannins have been softened into absolutely silkiness. Drink: 2020-2050. (Aug 2019)"

Robb Report: "The house of Giuseppe Quintarelli is one of Valpolicella’s most legendary producers. They don’t release a Riserva very often, and when they do, it’s something quite extraordinary--like the 2007 vintage, already the stuff of legend. It has 'dried fruits with a rich, velvety mouthfeel that perfectly complements a cut of steak without overpowering it,' according to Taylor Grant, who holds an Advanced Sommelier Certificate with the Court of Master Sommeliers and is the wine director at Scopa Italian Roots in Venice, Calif. Giuseppe Quintarelli 2007 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico Riserva is a wine with the potential for a very long life, but it’s drinking beautifully now. (12/20/17)"