Domini Veneti Ripasso della Valpolicella Classico Superiore La Casetta Domini Veneti La Casetta

Not quite as smooth as the first bottle but still a crowd pleaser, nice cherry aromas and plenty of fruit in the mouth, overall it lacks depth to make that jump up the points, but most of these ripasso's are the same, still good value, but drink up.

Long legs in the glass (14%). Give it at least a couple of hours after opening. There's sweet mascarpone cake on the nose, more noticeable when you breathe out through your nose. The palate is one of intense black cherries. It's a ripasso (refermenting with dried grape skins, usually from Amarone or recioto) so the extra depth is to be expected. This is well executed. Good length. Ready to drink now. Will go well with game and meaty Italian dishes, …

Initially after opening and pouring a bit disappointed, needed air and a short time to get going, lanolin persisted on the nose, bitter sweet cherries and licorice and chocolate in the mouth, the initial acidity settled to spot on with the time and some length, a very enjoyable smooth wine and very good VFM.

Featured on Saturday kitchen. Served with chicken pie, rosti top. Pop and pour, Riadel glasses. A glorious wine. Big fruit flavours. Long finishes. Silky smooth.