2017 La Poja
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Eric Guido, Vinous
More reviews and scores
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.
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.