Conterno Fantino

With the Vignota, vinified from five different vineyards, the winery proves that even in the so-called entry-level range a lot of excitement and richness is possible. Delicious bouquet of cherry jam, mint and rose petals. Very densely woven on the palate, plus a juiciness and extract sweetness that makes this wine an irresistible food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

"This succulent red sports fresh black cherry and blackberry flavors, accented by licorice, tar and mineral notes. It's solidly built and stays fresh on the long finish." Wine Spectator

"The Conterno Fantino 2018 Barbera d'Alba Vignota shows beautiful depth and intensity thanks to its pure and brilliant fruit. This Barbera is absolutely direct and linear in terms of its aromatic delivery with sour cherry, cassis and tart cranberry. Fruit comes from a 5.4-hectare plot that sees a big range in elevation from 200 to 400 meters above sea level with limestone and marl. These conditions are especially conducive to affirming the natural acidity and freshness of this food-friendly wine." Robert Parker

For us, one of the best Nebbiolo of the Langhe. With some vintners, the entry Barolo would be made from this excellent basic material. Multilayered, dark bouquet of wild berries, menthol, spices and rosehip. On the palate then punchy, present, with a taut draw and pronounced primary fruit. The tannin is well woven and very smooth. Impeccable! SUPERIORE.DE

Classic Rosso from the Langhe made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia estates. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruits, leather, tar and tobacco. Then deep, plump and very inviting on the palate, drinkable and lush. Also in young years already very accessible. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for the immensely deep Vigna del Gris come from vines that are over 40 years old from the approximately 1 hectare parcel of the same name. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing approach, weightless and powerful at the same time. On the palate, firm tannins and lots of spice, with great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine before it has gained maturity, personality and elegance after more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is classic Gris. Bright, focused and taut in feel, 2017 offers up a whole range of floral and spice top notes that give the wine terrific freshness. On the palate, the Gris is a bit nervous, as it always is, yet with superb balance and class. The tannins can be a bit edgy here, but the 2017 keeps everything in check. This is such a pretty wine." Vinous

"This is extremely perfumed with rose petal and orange zest to the ripe-strawberry and cherry character. Full and intense palate with layers of fruit and firm, dusty tannins. Chewy at the finish, but there's plenty of fruit." James Suckling

The sandy soils north of Monforte d'Alba give this Barolo its immense power and structure. Very open and appealing on the nose of dark cherries and raspberries, with notes of mint, cedar, rose petals and sage. On the palate then very lively and expressive, with deep beauty, seamlessly contoured, with spectacular resonance. A fabulous wine from a very good vintage, classic and exotic at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Castelletto Vigna Pressenda is a gorgeous, exotic wine. Rose petal, orange peel, cinnamon, cedar and red berry fruit all open in a beautifully layered, super-expressive Barolo from Conterno-Fantino. Beams of Castelletto tannin extend the finish while lending a real feeling of vibrancy throughout. The balance of purity and structure is compelling." Vinous

"This is very structured with fantastic tannins that frame the wine. Dark fruit with ripe strawberries, as well as wet earth and dried black truffles. Full and chewy. Tight finish. Needs four or five years to open." James Suckling

Probably one of the most independent Barolos we have ever tasted. Impressive, very complex aroma of tar, smoke, liquorice, scorched earth, dark fruits and pebbles. With some aeration then dark, rich, red fruits, exotic spices and smoked bacon. Then very virile, dark and muscular in the drink, with an exciting contrast of austerity and extract sweetness. The opulence and intensity of the taste impressions and the still monumental tannin give an idea of what a great red with a strong personality is maturing here in the bottle. Only 6,000 bottles available. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped is deep, resonant and expansive, as wines from this site tend to be. In this tasting, the Mosconi is wonderfully deep. Its stature alone is compelling. And yet there is so much to the Mosconi. Readers will find a Barolo that melds together a rich, racy expression of fruit with plenty of structure that wraps everything together. Rich red fruit, blood orange, tar, spice and cedar build as the 2017 gains volume through to the finish." Vinous

"Plenty of red fruit and tar here with bark and mushroom as well. It's full-bodied, yet tight and polished on the palate. Tight finish. Tar and burnt citrus to the fruit in the aftertaste. One of the best wines from here in years, this needs some bottle age to open and soften." James Suckling

Classic Rosso from the Langhe made from 50% Nebbiolo and 50% Barbera grapes from the Ginestra and Bussia estates. Inviting, exuberant Barbera-influenced bouquet of raspberry jam, dark fruits, leather, tar and tobacco. Then deep, plump and very inviting on the palate, drinkable and lush. Also in young years already very accessible. SUPERIORE.DE

The flagship of the house with great personality and balance. The bouquet is multi-layered and multi-dimensional with dark violet, balsamic fruits on the one hand, and impressive notes of spices, tar and tobacco on the other. In the glass, the hallmark of the Sori Ginestra is the pronounced, strong backbone of taut tannin and an acidity that leaves nothing to be desired for this cru in terms of structure, perfection and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is another gorgeous, expressive wine in this range. Broad and ample, the 2017 captures all of the personality of this site. Dark-fleshed fruit, spice, menthol, licorice, espresso, dried flowers and pine infuse the 2017 with myriad layers of dimension. There is plenty of Ginestra energy and tannin, so a few years of cellaring is a must." Vinous

"Rather floral and fruity with candied strawberry and some cherry and stone undertones. It's full and flows across the palate. Creamy, round tannins that are very fine. Friendly and seductive, especially for a 2017." James Suckling

The grapes for the immensely deep Vigna del Gris come from vines that are over 40 years old from the approximately 1 hectare parcel of the same name. The bouquet is beguilingly harmonious, with a convincing approach, weightless and powerful at the same time. On the palate, firm tannins and lots of spice, with great texture and very juicy. Long, rich finish. Don't make the mistake of opening this wine before it has gained maturity, personality and elegance after more years in the bottle. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is classic Gris. Bright, focused and taut in feel, 2017 offers up a whole range of floral and spice top notes that give the wine terrific freshness. On the palate, the Gris is a bit nervous, as it always is, yet with superb balance and class. The tannins can be a bit edgy here, but the 2017 keeps everything in check. This is such a pretty wine." Vinous

"This is extremely perfumed with rose petal and orange zest to the ripe-strawberry and cherry character. Full and intense palate with layers of fruit and firm, dusty tannins. Chewy at the finish, but there's plenty of fruit." James Suckling

The flagship of the house with great personality and balance. The bouquet is multi-layered and multi-dimensional with dark violet, balsamic fruits on the one hand, and impressive notes of spices, tar and tobacco on the other. In the glass, the hallmark of the Sori Ginestra is the pronounced, strong backbone of taut tannin and an acidity that leaves nothing to be desired for this cru in terms of structure, perfection and longevity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2017 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Sorì Ginestra is another gorgeous, expressive wine in this range. Broad and ample, the 2017 captures all of the personality of this site. Dark-fleshed fruit, spice, menthol, licorice, espresso, dried flowers and pine infuse the 2017 with myriad layers of dimension. There is plenty of Ginestra energy and tannin, so a few years of cellaring is a must." Vinous

"Rather floral and fruity with candied strawberry and some cherry and stone undertones. It's full and flows across the palate. Creamy, round tannins that are very fine. Friendly and seductive, especially for a 2017." James Suckling