Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Medium garnet with a medium garnet rim. This is quite closed at first , after a sweet spice and sweet , quite heady mix of strawberry , raspberry , dark cherry, menthol and a meaty , porcini note . On the palate this is quite sweet and juicy , with raspberry , smoky cherries and strawberry , and the menthol , liquorice hints . Quite grippy but ripe tannins and balanced acidity . Slightly heady alcohol but the sheer intensity of the wine leaves it balanced . Good summer fruit , spiced liquorice tinged finish . Needs a bit of time , probably better in 5 years and will continue well for a further 5 to 10 , maybe longer . — 11 days ago

Jay Kline

9.6

Conterno’s “Monfortino” Barolo Riserva (early vintages like this one were labeled as “Stravecchia” and “Extra Barolo”) practically defined the Riserva style. In many ways, one could make the arguement that it blazed the trail for Barolo’s reputation as being the age-worthy wine it is today. Back in the early days, Monfortino was a blend of purchased fruit. Control of Cascina Francia, in Serralunga d’Alba, did not come until the late 1970’s. I can’t be sure but I believe the fruit used to be sourced from Monforte d’Alba and specifically from Le Coste, Bussia and possibly others.

This bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1941 Monfortino pours a pale garnet/rust color with significant rim variation and a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Maraschino cherry, menthol, Tootsie Roll, espresso macchiato, walnut, and truffle. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Sublime. Getting to experience an 80+ year old wine is always a special treat. Getting to experience a Barolo from World War II, during one of the darkest periods in Italy’s past, is extraordinary. Getting to experience early Monfortino (pre-estate) made by Giacomo himself…well, it is drinking history. I nearly got emotional. While it’s clearly is showing its age, the 1941 shows its class and has some impressive moves. We delighted as it danced across the palate, proving that it still has stories to tell. Drink now if you ever see a bottle. — a month ago

Mark Rosse

9.4

Just getting better and better — 11 days ago

Vino Joe

9.5

Expressive. Deep. Tannins reverberated. Just outstanding. — 16 days ago

Vino Joe

9.6

Ripping. Always enjoy this Barolo. It’s mature and deep. With long murky finish but it is also bright and lively. It’s such a vibrant wine. In its prime drinking window. Enjoy!! — a month ago

William Lauder

9.5

In Magnum. Truly Sublime. — 2 months ago

Alden Ridley

9.4

First tried this wine at one of my favorite restaurants in New York. Got my hands on another as a Christmas present from a friend who knows me too well. Notes of strawberry and licorice, silky smooth finish, truly great Nebbiolo — 3 days ago

Michael Walker

9.8

This one had good bones but the slightest hint of vinegar on both the nose and palate - and the telltale orange rim in the glass. Drinkable but maybe just OTH and couldn’t measure up to the previous reds — a month ago

Ted

9.1

Just something about Barolo for me. Dried cherry and fresh. Rosemary. — a month ago

with Jeni

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2020 pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart fruits: Morello cherry, raspberry, cranberry, roses, tar, cool spices and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. I found this bottle to be a little shy for the first 30min or so but opened up nicely by the end of our meal. Drink now through 2040. — 2 months ago