2004 Calto

I was quite simply blown away by the wines I tasted at Marion this year. In the difficult 2005 vintage proprietors Stefano and Nicoletta Campedelli opted not to make their Amarone, but fans of this small estate will nevertheless find much to admire among these new releases. Readers visiting Veneto should make an effort to visit this gorgeous property. The vineyards are tended with maniacal passion, and that attention to detail comes through in spades in these wines. Today Valpolicella remains dominated by two towering figures; Giuseppe Quintarelli and Romano dal Forno. Stefano Campedelli is high on my list of young producers with the energy, inspiration and potential to reach the same level one day. And that day may very well be fast approaching.