Giacomo Conterno
Riserva Monfortino Barolo Nebbiolo
Barolo, Cuneo, Piedmont, Italy
Up there with the best.
Up there with the best.
Jun 21st, 2014
1955 Giacomo Conterno Barolo (Ditta) – The "Great Emperor"
Appearance: The wine unfurls in the glass with a majestic, deep garnet core that gracefully fades into a wide brick-orange rim—the unmistakable heraldry of seven decades of life. It is perfectly clear and luminous, promising a profound experience.
Nose (Aroma): The aromatic profile is a walk through an ancient, sacred forest after the rain. It opens with a deep sense of humid earth, fungal truffle, and a subtle, refined smoked leather. As it opens, a beautiful core of blueberry compote and dried dark fruits emerges, intertwined with a complex tapestry of Chinese medicinal herbs and dried florals. It is both powerful and hauntingly ethereal.
Palate (Taste): The palate is a breathtaking journey into umami and complexity. True to the legend, the fruit has transformed into an intense medley of sweet preserved fruit (dried apricot, date). This is immediately met with a profound savory depth: a distinct salted Chinese preserved plum character provides a mouthwatering salinity, while a fine dusting of astragalus root powder and angelica root brings an authentic, warming medicinal bitterness that defines the wine’s regal structure. A hint of spicy dried ginger soda lingers on the mid-palate, adding a lift of unexpected freshness.
Acidity & Structure: The acidity is the heartbeat of this wine—sustained, mellow, and incredibly refined. It does not jab but rather flows continuously, carrying the dense, dried flavors across the palate with remarkable energy. The tannins have fully resolved into a silken, powdery texture, leaving nothing but harmony.
Finish: The finish is eternal, echoing with notes of dried citrus peel, forest floor, and a final whisper of sweet tobacco and herbs. A truly humbling experience; this is not merely a wine, but a living artifact of time, worthy of the title "Great Emperor."
1955 Giacomo Conterno Barolo (Ditta) – The "Great Emperor"
Appearance: The wine unfurls in the glass with a majestic, deep garnet core that gracefully fades into a wide brick-orange rim—the unmistakable heraldry of seven decades of life. It is perfectly clear and luminous, promising a profound experience.
Nose (Aroma): The aromatic profile is a walk through an ancient, sacred forest after the rain. It opens with a deep sense of humid earth, fungal truffle, and a subtle, refined smoked leather. As it opens, a beautiful core of blueberry compote and dried dark fruits emerges, intertwined with a complex tapestry of Chinese medicinal herbs and dried florals. It is both powerful and hauntingly ethereal.
Palate (Taste): The palate is a breathtaking journey into umami and complexity. True to the legend, the fruit has transformed into an intense medley of sweet preserved fruit (dried apricot, date). This is immediately met with a profound savory depth: a distinct salted Chinese preserved plum character provides a mouthwatering salinity, while a fine dusting of astragalus root powder and angelica root brings an authentic, warming medicinal bitterness that defines the wine’s regal structure. A hint of spicy dried ginger soda lingers on the mid-palate, adding a lift of unexpected freshness.
Acidity & Structure: The acidity is the heartbeat of this wine—sustained, mellow, and incredibly refined. It does not jab but rather flows continuously, carrying the dense, dried flavors across the palate with remarkable energy. The tannins have fully resolved into a silken, powdery texture, leaving nothing but harmony.
Finish: The finish is eternal, echoing with notes of dried citrus peel, forest floor, and a final whisper of sweet tobacco and herbs. A truly humbling experience; this is not merely a wine, but a living artifact of time, worthy of the title "Great Emperor."
Better than burgundy? Tannins have softened into the ether and the color lightly glows like a spooky zombie rosé. There is a sweet singing brightness and an unreal nose of soy, anise and roses.
Better than burgundy? Tannins have softened into the ether and the color lightly glows like a spooky zombie rosé. There is a sweet singing brightness and an unreal nose of soy, anise and roses.
Aug 9th, 2019
Extraordinarily lively for a bottle so aged. Plenty of fruit left and haunting notes on the finish
Extraordinarily lively for a bottle so aged. Plenty of fruit left and haunting notes on the finish
Nov 6th, 2017
1955 vintage. Pale ruby - but not as pale as expected. Some volatility and black cherry, earth and truffle. Little weird on nose. On the palate, still some fruit and tannic structure. Medium minus body and good finish. Fabulous. Drink now but might last. Excellent.
1955 vintage. Pale ruby - but not as pale as expected. Some volatility and black cherry, earth and truffle. Little weird on nose. On the palate, still some fruit and tannic structure. Medium minus body and good finish. Fabulous. Drink now but might last. Excellent.
Jan 31st, 2017
Madeira.... It happens. No ones fault
Madeira.... It happens. No ones fault
Nov 19th, 2014
1955. Held in the glass nicely and a great nose.
1955. Held in the glass nicely and a great nose.
Jan 11th, 2014
Charles had this 7 years ago
Charles had this 7 years ago
May 17th, 2019