1998 Tommasi Valpolicella Classico Superiore "Rafael"

[hotwine]

One of the wines picked up while searching for the Artesa Cab. Opened tonight with her fresh BEEF stew. Wow, big wine! Nose of white pepper and bacon fat, more on the palate with crushed overripe blackberries, more white pepper on the moderate finish. 12.5% ABV. This is a single-vineyard product, consisting of 65% Corvina, 30% Rondinella and 5% Molinara, and aged for 24 months in Slovenian oak. $10.99 at the full retail shop, probably at least $2 less at a discounter, but easily worth the full price and more. Gotta get more.