Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta 2018 bottle shot
99
Red SelectionJuly 2026

Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta 2018

Corvina$375

"The 2018 Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta is a prestigious Italian red blend primarily composed of Corvina, Rondinella, Croatina, and Oseleta grapes. This vintage is celebrated for its intense profile of dark bramble fruit, blueberry, and cherry, layered with complex notes of cold coffee, dark chocolate, and earth. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and velvety, balancing powerful tannins with crisp acidity and a long finish characterized by graphite and licorice. Aged for 36 months in barrique, this sophisticated Valpolicella offers remarkable depth and structure, making it enjoyable now or suitable for aging through 2043."

Terroir

Veneto, Italy

Drinking Window

2026 - 2043

Serving Temp

62-65°F (16-18°C)

Aging Potential

Exceptional

Sommelier Food Pairings

Braised oxtailAged GorgonzolaWild game stew
Shop this Vintage — $375

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The Full Tasting Note

How this bottle showed at our tasting bench

Nose

Dark bramble fruit, blueberry, and cherry over cold coffee, dark chocolate, and turned earth — Valpolicella at Amarone-level intensity.

Palate

Full-bodied and velvety with powerful tannins and crisp acidity; 36 months of barrique give it density that borders on the architectural.

Finish

Long and brooding, graphite and licorice framing the dark fruit.

What We Love

  • Dal Forno makes the world's most serious Valpolicella — this outclasses most producers' Amarones
  • The 99-point 2018 pairs monumental extract with real freshness
  • Cellars confidently through 2043

What to Know

  • The sheer power demands rich food or extended cellaring — it flattens delicate meals
  • $375 for a 'Valpolicella' takes explaining at the dinner table, however unjust the label economics

How It Compares

Italy's two great cult reds pull opposite directions: the Masseto refines Merlot into aristocratic polish while the Dal Forno amplifies humble Valpolicella grapes into thunder. Elegance versus intensity — both unforgettable. Read our Masseto 2022 review →

Convinced? Buy the Dal Forno — $375

Complete the Experience

Sommelier-recommended gear for this bottle

Riedel Ultra Decanter
Service

Riedel Ultra Decanter

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Electric Wine Aerator & Decanter Pump
Tools

Electric Wine Aerator & Decanter Pump

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Coravin Timeless Three Plus Wine Preservation System- Black
Tools

Coravin Timeless Three Plus Wine Preservation System- Black

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Dal Forno Romano Valpolicella Superiore Monte Lodoletta 2018

99 pts • Corvina

Buy — $375