Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra Riserva 2014

Paolo Conterno Barolo Ginestra Riserva 2014 is a majestic, long-lived masterclass in Piedmontese classicism. Sourced from the historical and exceptionally steep, south-facing Ginestra cru in Monforte d'Alba, the 35+ year old Nebbiolo vines thrive in clayey-calcareous soils rich with mineral deposits. Despite the challenging and notoriously wet 2014 vintage, Monforte's superior drainage and late-season sunshine yielded a stunningly complex Riserva. To build its imposing architecture, the wine undergoes an extensive 22-to-28-day skin maceration before aging for over three years in large, traditional French oak casks (botti), followed by lengthy cellaring before release. In the glass, it shows a dark garnet-red color. The nose is incredibly elegant, deeply unrolling waves of black cherries, blood orange, and wild truffles, beautifully framed by balsamic undertones, anise seed, and a hint of forest floor. On the palate, it is full-bodied, muscular, and structured. A core of dark savory berry fruit is tightly supported by an iron-clad backbone of chiseled, firm tannins and a driving, saline minerality. The finish is remarkably long and intensely focused, indicating a wine built for deep cellar evolution.

Food Pairing: Filet Wellington, brasato di manzo al Barolo (beef braised in Barolo), roasted wild boar entrecôte, or tagliatelle with shaved black truffles.

92 Points - James Suckling

Deep, vinous nose, showing rich berries, light stems and walnut oil. Hint of dark chocolate to the background oak. Medium-to full-bodied with gentle, grainy oak and fruit tannins that are still battling the fruit for place. Difficult to predict where this will go with aging, but if you’re a fan of Barolo riserva, you will enjoy this even now.