Ca' del Monte 2005 Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso

Deep ruby color.

Black cherry / plum smell.

Dark plum flavor, dark chocolate-covered cherries, fruity sweetness from start to finish.

Very good, full-bodied, $18.99/bottle.

Villalta 2007 Valpolicella Ripasso

Medium-dark red color.

Warm smell of cherry, plum, leather, prune, chocolate.

Warm flavors of cherry, semi-sweet chocolate, walnut, long finish.

Very good medium-to-full-bodied bottle for $14.99. A fine bargain.

Tenuta Sant'Antonio 2006 Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso "Monti Garbi"

Ripasso is a process where, after the first few months of fermentation, dregs of grapes already used to make Amarone or recioto are added to the vats.

Dark purple color.

Smell of plum, leather, oak.

Fruity plum flavor, cherry, soft finish, begs for a ripe semi-soft cheese.

Fine full-bodied bottle for $16.99. I've only had a few Ripassos, some before the technique was openly spoken of (I'm particularly reminded of an '86 Dal Forno Romano!), but I've been pleased each time.