Bertani, Valpolicella Ripasso, Valpantena Secco Bertani

Corvina blend that has a little too much acid and is off color. Could be due to the Slavonian oak used in the aging process.

Some meaty and dried flower notes on the nose, which promises a bit more than the palate can deliver. The flavor palette is classically Italian, moderately savory, with cured meat notes and a pleasant bitterness. Still, the underyling fruit is a bit thin, leading to a rather hollow mid-palate and a modest finish. Ripasso should split the difference between Valpolicella and Amarone, with some of the liveliness of the former and some of the richness and punch of the latter, …

Un vin générique, rien qui accroche mais rien qui le fait se démarquer... On a mieux pour le prix.

A nice Ripasso, good flavors, very standard. Nothing stands out, yet highly quaffable. 87-88.

Had an almost Beaujolais-like quality on day one: a nice stony tartness to the fruit, with an aroma to match. On day two, the fruit became more full, with plum and raisin notes, and the body and nose were likewise softer and fuller. I very much enjoyed this bottle, more than the previous one from several months ago.

Yummy. Cherry favors.

Strong nose of floral and hints of spice. Color lightish and reminds me of Pinot noirs. Taste is slightly berry, maybe strawberry. Finish is light tannins and very enjoyable. Fine wine for restaurant purchase. Was a gift from DG so no complaints.

Way overpriced for the $50 charged at Busalacchi's in San Diego. Not a bad wine, though. Good fruit and acid. A little disjointed. Paired well with rigatoni with spicy Italian sausage. Worth about 17 bones.

An unremarkable Italian red wine. Not too much tannins, not a lot of fruit flavors either.

The nose was reticent yet opened with swirling to reveal a very pretty and finessed floral profile with notes of ripe cherry and clove. On the palate, it showed tart red berries with herbal and inner floral notes. The finish was medium-long.

Second attempt. Very light, verging on anaemic, smooth but with little fruit, typical hint of almond, decent length; passable but uninteresting.

Relatively light style, very much unlike all those Ripasso's who aim to be mini-Amarones. Lovely red berry fruit but also touches of peach and even a hint of citrus, a bit autumnal too; on the palate light and a bit dry in the tannins; finish has a clear touch of lime zest. Not easy to qualify.