Freddy R. Troya

9.1

Montresor – Capitel della Crosara Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore DOC – 2023 - Veneto – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A traditional Valpolicella blend of Corvina, Rondinella, and Corvinone, crafted using the ripasso method, where the wine is re-passed over Amarone grape skins to gain added depth, richness, and structure. This process elevates the wine beyond standard Valpolicella, giving it that “baby Amarone” character.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherry, plum, and dark berry notes lead the profile, layered with hints of dried fruit, baking spice, and a touch of cocoa. Subtle herbal undertones add balance and regional character.

Mouthfeel
Medium to medium-plus body with smooth, rounded tannins and a gentle richness. More depth than standard Valpolicella, yet still approachable and easy-drinking with a soft, lingering finish.

Food Pairings
Perfect with pizza, pasta with meat sauces, grilled meats, or aged cheeses. Also shines as a casual standalone red for relaxed evenings.

Verdict
A classic “baby Amarone” that truly delivers at its price point, approachable, flavorful, and dangerously easy to drink. A crowd-pleaser that overperforms and invites that second (and third) glass.

Did You Know?
The ripasso technique literally means “repassed,” and it boosts alcohol, body, and complexity by fermenting the wine again with Amarone pomace, giving it that signature richness without full Amarone weight.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of those “open for the table… ends up disappearing fast” bottles. Crowd approved, no debate. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Eric

9.4

An excellent SLH Pinot. Dark garnet in color, 14.7% ABV yet perfectly integrated. Sierra Mar is one of my favorite SLH vineyards and ROAR knows how to get the best expression fr these berries. Easily good for 3-5 years, perhaps more - has the tannins to go long. Let’s all get along. Cheers! — 4 years ago

Peta Latimer

9.0

2016 - smooth & amazing — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Aromas of ripe dark fruits, cooking spice and smoky notes. On the palate of this bug wine, flavors of blackberry and plum, raisin like tones with cacao, oak and cinnamon spice. Rich tannins, soft, lingering well balanced ending with smoky spice. Very Nice. Tasting Sample. — 6 years ago

Kate

9.4

Wow! I prefer Barolo but prefer not to spend. Smooth cherry. Short finish. Drinkable — 8 years ago

Trish Currie

8.9

Awesome with Italian food — 8 years ago

with Judith

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Montresor – “Gran Guardia” – Soave Classico – 2023, Soave Classico DOC – Veneto – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
A classic expression of Soave made from 100% Garganega, showcasing the grape’s ability to deliver freshness, approachability, and subtle complexity. Sourced from the historic Classico zone, this wine offers a clean, crowd-pleasing profile that highlights balance over flash, making it a reliable and enjoyable everyday white.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe pear, peach, and light tropical notes lead the profile, followed by hints of citrus zest, white flowers, and a soft almond nuance typical of Garganega. The fruit is present but controlled, never overpowering.

Mouthfeel
Light- to medium-bodied with smooth texture and balanced acidity. Clean, refreshing, and easygoing, with a gentle, slightly nutty finish that adds character without weight.

Food Pairings
Grilled fish, seafood pasta, risotto, light chicken dishes, fresh salads, or mild cheeses. Also works beautifully as a casual aperitif.

Verdict
A well-executed Soave Classico that delivers exactly what it should, balance, drinkability, and subtle charm. Not trying to impress, just quietly doing everything right.

Did You Know?
Garganega thrives in the volcanic soils of Soave’s Classico zone, which helps give these wines their signature combination of softness, minerality, and that subtle almond finish.

🍷 Personal Pick
One of those “why don’t people drink more of this?” wines, easy, reliable, and always a good call when you want something clean and crowd-friendly. — 2 months ago

Stuart Thomas King Ama

8.9

Nice smooth wine with no bitter after taste — 4 years ago

Todd Beatty

9.0

Purchased in Tours, FR 2017, enjoyed in 2021. Peppery and perfect for a fall evening. — 5 years ago

Kate

9.0

Smells and tastes delicious — 6 years ago

Nancy Barber

9.0

Decadent cherries with some toasty complexity after the initial taste. Yum! — 8 years ago

Joel Roskind

9.2

CSW Pinot fr — 8 years ago

with Susan

Chris England

9.3

1st wine of Lafon-Rochet in top year @ £40+ drinking good now but a great 94-95+ in 5-10yrs 👍

🍇 67% Cab Sav, 27% Merlot, 5% Petit V & 1% Cab Fr

🍷Opaque ruby w/ purple hue

👃 Gravel, lead, minerals pushing through spiced blackberry/currant with sweet cedar, light smoked oak & earthy wet leaves

👄 Med body of velvety creamy smooth rich black berry fruits w/ earthy feel, black tea & bitter cocoa tones in fine dry tannin

🎯 Med+, slight dry. earthy dark fruit & black tea finish

🎶 Earth Song MJ 👑 — 9 years ago

Ericsson

9.1

Good Pomerol vintage at Grand Barrail Bordeaux FR. — 4 months ago

Ericsson

9.2

Chávez. But not that Chave. At Petit Comptoir. Reims FR. — 4 months ago

Richard Curtis

9.7

Amazing! Sold as an alternative to an Amerone, and oh my word!! — 4 years ago

Erja Koistinen

9.0

Year 2017. Lovely fruity taste and beautiful bottle. Perfect gift to friends for Xmas. — 5 years ago

Chris Koupal

9.5

Loved this. Light on its feet. — 6 years ago

Joe Christenson

9.2

Beautiful balance of bright sour cherry and the deeper golden raisin flavors. Great tannin structure and some tan soil terroir notes give the fruit depth. The nose is a lively preview. Definitely shines at cellar temps — don’t let this one get to room temp or the alcohol gets too hot (at 15.5% that’s bound to happen). Drinking great 7 years in. — 7 years ago

with Alicia

Jennifer Delva

9.2

Toulouse, FR — 8 years ago