Allegrini, La Poja - Veronese 2017

Anthocyanes

94

byYohan Castaingthe9/9/2022

Elaboré uniquement avec le cépage Corvina, cette cuvée offre un bouquet très particulier avec des notes balsamiques, des arômes d'herbes, de fruits noirs, de cerise, de pruneau et d'épices. Bouche juteuse et droite, très tendue avec une texture moyennement dense mais fraiche et délicate.

Decanter.com

95

byGeorgina Hindlethe8/24/2022

One of two Allegrini wines making their debut on the Place de Bordeaux this year. Such an incredible nose, cola, vanilla, sticky tar, perfume, baked blackcurrants, herbal-edged cherries, plums, so much going on, so alive and expressive on the nose. Classy and contemporary, this is smooth and so seductive. Direct from the start, you get the tang of orange and grapefruit giving a nice bitterness to counteract the strength and richness of the dark fruit. Acidity is there giving a mouthwatering appeal and providing such a lovely base from which all the flavours expand - all perfectly controlled and in harmony. It's still quite tense and strict, in high definition and focussed. You really feel the sculpting of the elements - strawberry, red cherry, smoke and some sweet wood spices which have succulence and a touch of piquance along the edges. Smooth yet impactful, a bold style but perfectly executed with freshness, acidity and a clean minerality on the finish that just makes you want another glass. What a thrilling wine. Ageing 20 months in new Allier barrels, eight months in large Slavonian oak casks and then 10 months in bottle.

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

93

byJane Ansonthe7/19/2022

Sweet-sour fruit, red berries, soy, aniseed, sweet damson on the nose, followed by dried herbs and strawberry liqourice. The vines for La Poja are located on a limestone plateau on the hill of La Grola, one of the highest altitude spots in Valpolicella. There is some heat from the alcohol but the high acidities and low 3.51ph give balance and juice. Long skin contact, and extended ageing across both bigger casks and small Slovenian oak barrels. A great food wine, and one of the rare wines from this area made without the appassimento method. 3.51ph. Marilisa Allegrini owner, carrying on from her brother Franco.

Vinous

93

byAntonio Gallonithe1/1/2022

A burst of mocha and clove is balanced by dusty black cherries and savory herbs as the 2017 La Poja blossoms in the glass. This is a heady and extroverted expression with a pretty inner sweetness contrasted by tart black fruits and inner herb tones. Dark chocolate, cloves, hints of vanilla and candied lavender can all be found through the incredibly long and palate-staining finale. The 2017 finishes lightly structured. For all of its extroverted character, the La Poja boasts only three grams of residual sugar per liter. This may be a big wine, but the balance is remarkable.

Wine Spectator

92

byJames Molesworththe11/15/2021

A graceful red, with supple, fine-grained tannins swathed in a lovely range of crushed black cherry, black tea leaf and Mandarin orange peel flavors. A subtle tang of minerality emerges on the lightly chewy and spiced finish. Drink now through 2027. 1,125 cases made, 150 cases imported. — AN

Jamessuckling.com

95

byJames Sucklingthe10/22/2021

Very dense, tightly packed aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries, as well as notes of hazelnuts. Full-bodied and very silky with a super-refined feel on the palate. The tannins are so well integrated into the wine and the finish is long. This is very tight, but delicious to taste even now. Structured, refined and showing class. Give it a year or two to relax and expand. Try from 2023.