Fontanafredda 160th Anniversary Vertical Collection 1982–2010

Riga, Latvia
Tasted Friday, June 12, 2020 by StasMedvedev.lv with 80 views

Introduction

‘The king of wines, the wine of Kings’ — is said about Barolo and true for Fontanafredda.

Based in Serralunga d’Alba, winery played crucial role in history of Barolo. Founded by Vittorio Emanuele II, the 1st King of Italy in 1858.

The history of estate is like a rollercoaster ride and reminds to many the history of Barolo itself. When royal family gone bankrupt, it was sold to the world oldest bank Monte dei Paschi di Siena in 1931. Since 2009 it belongs to the owner of Eataly. Winery owns ~100ha being the largest producer in Barolo. It has built a reputation for a very affordable Barolo. For a long time it produced Barolo for Autogrill, the largest chain of roadhouses.

Barolo Riserva is produced only from estate owned vineyards, mostly from Serralunga d’Alba. All wines were stored in estate cellars and released for 160th anniversary. Pristine condition, new corks, good levels and beautiful labels.

Flight 1 (6 Notes)

2000 Fontanafredda Barolo Riserva 89 Points

Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

🏅 Rating 89/100 (3,9⭐)

Fontanafredda 160th Anniversary Collection.

Vanilla dominant. Very straightforward and one dimensional wine. Tannins are present and granular. Overall impression of a hot dry year with overripe fruits. It has Barolo typicity into it, but the wine is just not great.

Barolo Riserva is produced only from estate owned vineyards, mostly from Serralunga d'Alba.

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1999 Fontanafredda Barolo Riserva 90 Points

Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

🏅 Rating 90/100 (4,0⭐)

Fontanafredda 160th Anniversary Collection.

Concentrated and dense version of Barolo. Ripe jammy dark fruits in chocolate. Plums and dark red rose. Intense perfumed aromatics.

1999 overall is considered as excellent vintage in Barolo.

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1998 Fontanafredda Barolo Riserva 91 Points

Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

🏅 Rating 91+/100 (4,15⭐)

Fontanafredda 160th Anniversary Collection.

Lots of red berries. Slightly green on the nose. This Barolo has some weight. Tannin is present, ripe and granular. Acidity is very refreshing.

1998 is sometimes referred to as a sleeper vintage.

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1996 Fontanafredda Barolo Riserva 92 Points

Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

🏅 Rating 92/100 (4,2⭐)

Fontanafredda 160th Anniversary Collection.

Tight in the beginning. Fruits and berries. Perfumed intense aromatics. Rose petals, rather concentrated and sweet on the nose. Very focused. Energetic. Good balance on the palate. Ripe fruits, dense with medium (-) body. Dries rose and black cherry.

1996 is a classic Barolo vintage. Wines with good structure, tough tannins and nervous acidity.

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2010 Fontanafredda Barolo Riserva 93 Points

Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

🏅 Rating 93+/100 (4,35⭐)

Fontanafredda 160th Anniversary Collection.

Oh, this menthol and eucalyptus oil notes. Strawberry. Touch of colour paint. Sandy tannins are ripe. Nose is great.
It is surprisingly accessible and already showing how good it is. Should be laid down to gain more complexity on the palate. Huge potential ahead.

Another great vintage. 2010 had long, cool growing season.

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1982 Fontanafredda Barolo Riserva 96 Points

Italy, Piedmont, Langhe, Barolo

🏅 Rating 96/100 (4,6⭐)

Fontanafredda 160th Anniversary Collection.

Tar and roses. So classic, so deep. Complete graceful wine. Simply fantastic. Ripe fruit. Balsamic and truffle tertiary aromas. Little bit of sandalwood. And eucalyptus finish.

1982 is a blockbuster vintage. Gorgeous, richly textured and structured wines.

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