Acclaim

“The 2013 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is another super-intriguing Barolo from Conterno-Fantino. Sweet, floral aromatics meld into a core of bright red stone fruit, plum, mint and white pepper. As usual, the aromatics are quite lifted, but in the last few years, the tannins from this site have shown a bit more sweetness. As always, though, the Vigna del Gris is the most slender and feminine of the ConternoFantino Barolos.” — Antonio Galloni Feb. 2017

“The 2013 Barolo Mosconi Vigna Ped shows the broad, ample shoulders that are typical of this south-facing site in Monforte. Scents of tar, smoke, licorice, scorched earth, dark fruit and gravel fill out the wine’s large frame effortlessly. Virile, dark and muscular, with huge swaths of tannin and tons of intensity, the Vigna Ped is a superb Mosconi Barolo loaded with personality. The 2013 needs time to soften, but it is impressive.” — Antonio Galloni Feb. 2017

“The 2013 Barolo Cerretta is a bit more translucent but also more powerful than the Rapèt, which seems to also heighten the impression of acidity and tannin. Red cherry, cranberry, white pepper, mint and freshly cut flowers give the Cerretta its lifted, super-classic feel. The tannins need a few years to soften, but there is certainly plenty to look forward to. The Cerretta is a bit more classically austere in style than the Rapèt.” — Antonio Galloni Feb. 2017

“Aromas of plums and cherries with hints of flan and custard. Medium to full body, very fine tannins and a long finish. Silky and pretty. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling Feb. 2017

“The 2013 Barolo Rapèt is laced with the essence of sweet red cherry, kirsch, herbs, mint and expressive rose petal notes. There is good brightness and aromatic lift throughout. Firm tannins appear on the mid-palate and finish, adding attractive structural elements to balance the racy, expressive fruit. This is an especially bright style for Serralunga, but there is certainly no shortage of tannin. With time in the glass, the structural elements become more pronounced. The 2013 will drink well with just a few years in the cellar.” – Antonio Galloni Feb. 2017

“The 2013 Barolo Cannubi brings together the sweet, floral aromatics that are so typical of this site, with silky tannins and vibrant fruit. Sweet red cherry, wild flowers, mint and rose petals built into the finely-spun finish. Sensual and beautifully layered in the glass, the 2013 Cannubi is a highly appealing wine to drink now and over the next decade, perhaps beyond. The Cannubi also gives the distinct impression it will drink well earlier than the Costa Grimaldi.” -Antonio Galloni Feb. 2017

“Black cherry, smoke, tar, licorice and menthol give the 2013 Barolo Terlo Vigna Costa Grimaldi much of its virile personality. Here, too, the level of fruit intensity is considerable, but, as always, the Costa Grimaldi has the broad shoulders and frame to hand all of that richness. Readers will have to be patient, as the 2013 needs at least a few years in bottle to shed some of its youthful tannin. This is impressive juice.” -Antonio Galloni Feb. 2013

“Made with Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot, this is a tight and beautifully enriched Tuscan red. The 2012 Cignale sees fruit in a hot vintage harvested from a cool, high-altitude vineyard site. This combination of extremes makes for fantastic results and produces a fine sense of balance and elegance. The wine is aged in French oak for two years and only 10,000 bottles are made. The finish shows soft fruit with earthy tones of button mushroom and underbrush that remind you of the rustic Chianti Classico countryside.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Jan. 2017

“The 2010 Cignale lives up to the reputation of this great vintage and this storied Tuscan blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot. The wine is brimming with dark fruit nuances. Blackberry, plum and purple fruit are in a leading position. The oak tones are evident and I would suggest giving this wine more time to evolve and integrate. It tastes very young now and I’d like to see that toasted spice fold into the ripe fruit flavors. The tannins are still sharp, but they also show enough elasticity to soften with more bottle aging. This is a long-term red from Tuscany.” – Monica Larner, Wine Advocate, Jan. 2017

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