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| Community Tasting History |
| Community Tasting Notes (average 94.2 pts. and median of 94 pts. in 35 notes) - hiding notes with no text | | | Tasted by Arsene on 2/26/2022 & rated 96 points: Noe utviklet på farge. Mursteinrød med orange rand.
Rund, modne plommer, vanilje. Potteplante. En fin stripe syre. Sandpapir. Menthol lær og roser.
Stram, kompromissløs, ja nærmest hensynsløs vin. Sterke krydderier. Pepper. Ett stort mørke. Tørr. Mektig, lang avslutning. Godt! (2255 views) | | | Tasted by dglebo on 10/18/2021 & rated 97 points: A celebratory evening so I chose this treasure to drink with spaghetti bolognese. Good decision.
A mature plum red color with a very brown rim. A nose of sweet dark fruit, full and rich.
After a 1/2 hour decant, tart but bright red fruit, lingering on the mid palate.
An hour in the nose is richer still. The taste is fully integrated tannins, structured but giving (what I would expect at the 2-3 hour mark), with sweet cherry and plum coating the mid and back of the palate. A very long finish.
2 hours in and last observation: the nose is sweeter and deeper still. The taste starts sweetness forward (cherries), excellent balance, the tart is completely gone, a full mouth enjoyment for minutes post swallow. Wonderful. Drink now or hold. This wine is bright eyed and ready. (2348 views) | | | Tasted by rlove on 9/24/2021 & rated 94 points: What perfume! The 1998 Monfortino is stunning with air, revealing a nose of dark fruit, rose, leather, and loads of spice. Tannins are still a bit gnarly but not impenetrable, bright acidity, lots of dark fruit. Just entering its drinking window but already killer. (2610 views) | | | Tasted by aajder on 10/13/2020 & rated 92 points: Lovely color, just a touch of fading. The nose shows elegant aromas of dark berries, minerals, flowers, spices and hints of licorice. This is almost full bodied on the palate with excellent concentration and real finesse. The fairly long finish features integrated tannins and a hint of orange peel. (3575 views) | | | Tasted by hprphf on 11/17/2018 & rated 91 points: Acker 2018/11 (Marea): From Magnum. Primrose, stem, licorice, tobacco and leather. Great structure but too tight. 91 (4842 views) | | | Tasted by tinybubbles on 11/12/2018 & rated 93 points: Great young soil notes and dry dark fruit, overall middle of the road for Monfortino. Needs substantial time. 93+ (3375 views) | | | Tasted by The Vines That Bind on 5/23/2018 & rated 90 points: G. Conterno v. B. Giacosa (Maialino): This Monfortino flight is stylistically very different from any of the Giacosas. Dark and intense but nicely perfumed. The ‘99 to ‘90 all smell remarkably similar with a polished black cherry. Overall I find this young and not particularly intriguing. (4404 views) | | | Tasted by SimonG on 5/4/2018 & rated 94 points: Vintages ending in 8 (La Trompette, London): Blind. Maturing Neb nose. Lovely and mellow. Cosseting almost. Floral with a touch of orange. Warm sun on a terracotta tile. Keeps inviting you in. Really lovely. Just lacks a little persistence on the finish for top flight but quite a treat. ****1/2 (3870 views) | | | Tasted by steinersing on 12/16/2017 & rated 96 points: double decanted 3 hours ahead, next to 1997. Started with Barolo typical liquorice, tar and dark roses inits nose - with time the aromas were increasingly more round and deep. in the first hour the 1997 was ahead, more round and complete - towards the end the 1998 caught up nicely - believe this has many years ahead. (3746 views) | | | Tasted by BradE on 9/9/2017: Showing evolution, nice spice. Liked it. (3086 views) | | | Tasted by phynes on 7/6/2017 & rated 96 points: A very classy wine. Nose a little muted but the texture and flavours on the palate were a delight. (3415 views) | | | Tasted by ddavoust on 1/29/2017 & rated 96 points: Beautiful, aged flavor. In its prime. If you have one, drink it now. (3504 views) | | | Tasted by Collector1855 on 9/20/2016 & rated 96 points: Barolo Riserva Monfortino vertical 1995-2006: The first wine that impressed us. Dark garnet. Expressive nose with aromas of ripe fruit, plum, gingerbread. There is a richness to this wine stemming from warmer vintage it feels. Full bodied and succulent with good freshness. (5234 views) | | | Tasted by NostraBacchus on 9/7/2016 & rated 95 points: 11.5 vintages of Monfortino-vertical:
SO'd for 12 hours. Expressive notes of menthol, dark fruit tar, licorice, some truffle too. It feels a touch older than it actually is. Medium-full-bodied with medium-high acidity and medium-high but silky tannin. Good length, nice complexity. (95+) (4106 views) | | | Tasted by JulianSkeels on 5/27/2016 & rated 97 points: (Monfortino mag vertical 1970-2008)
I liked this vintage much more than I expected, it showed really well. A bit like the 1988 but better - just a bit more of everything. Lots of tar and menthol. A huge palate and length. Needs time, but is more ready than the 1999 Monfortino (which shows a touch more potential for me). This has a touch more liquorice than the 1999 as well, which could put some off. I seems to like this more than many others. Excellent. (3852 views) | | | Tasted by RayOB on 5/26/2016 & rated 96 points: Giacomo Conterno Montfortino, Barolo Reserva Magnum Dinner (67 Pall Mall): Open and approachable with a rich integrated palate. Lovely. (3846 views) | | | Tasted by CamWheeler on 12/18/2015 & rated 96 points: Beat your 2015 WOTY Dinner: Raspberry, cherry, spice, roses, tar and licorice. The acidity on the palate is quite stunning, sparks and sizzles with superb length and drive. Textured with supremely fine and well integrated tannins. Special stuff. (3154 views) | | | Tasted by Alex H on 9/11/2015 & rated 91 points: Saline floral and some tarry boysenberry and sweet cigar tobacco leaves. An oldish finish. Grand and respectable. (3517 views) | | | Tasted by kevinacohn on 3/4/2015: Nothing compares to Monfortino; the depth of aromas and layering of flavors achieved by Conterno is mind boggling. This was wonderfully expressive, albeit after quadruple decanting. Licorice, black pepper, iron, dark berries, and minerals formed a quintessential Barolo bouquet. In the mouth, to my surprise and delight, the tannins were nearly fully resolved. Slightly sour cherries and notes of cocoa were joined by a gentle acidity and a saline finish. Just wonderful. Rated 3 on a scale of -1 to 3. (3913 views) | | | Tasted by dcwino on 6/24/2014 & rated 95 points: BYOB dinner with Jamie Pollack (Bourbon Steak): Candied red fruits, dry red cherries, rose, strong presence of mineral, black pepper and a hint of anise. Medium concentration, warm and round but noticeable mineral note gives a big of edge and nicely integrated tannins. Not a big scale Monfortino, perhaps the 05 will develop like this. The palate is ready but another five to ten years of cellaring will improve the nose, giving more balsamico and iron. (5490 views) | | | Tasted by beatles on 5/31/2014 & rated 93 points: An evening with Ib B (Frederiksberg): This seems more or less ready, surprisingly so. Soft (in comparison with 2005 & 2001), smooth, with very soft tannins and a creamy texture. Very good length and loads of the red fruits, we are looking for – less so the tar. 93. (Provenance: GL) (4731 views) | | | Tasted by JonnyG on 5/12/2014 & rated 93 points: Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino 1970-2006 (Magnum) (maze by Gordon Ramsey, London): While not monumental in the way that the other vintages we tasted tonight were, I found this to be in its peak drinking window, perfectly mature, balanced and with surprising power. The tannins are fully integrated, and a fine acidity provides further lift. (5739 views) | | | Tasted by WildeMeeuw on 1/11/2013 & rated 93 points: Kleur: Oranjerood. Aroma / bouquet: Expressief maar zacht bouquet. Complex. Frisse tonen zoals bloemen (rozen en viooltjes) maar ook rijpere tonen als krenten, laurier en rozijnen. Smaak / Afdronk: Friszure aanzet. Voldoende kracht maar tegelijkertijd een opvallend zachte wijn. Iets minder concentratie. Algemeen / potentieel: Aangename, 'boerse' wijn. 50 + Kleur: 5 + Aroma / bouquet: 14 + Smaak / Afdronk: 16 + Algemeen / potentieel: 8 = 93/100
Color: Orange red. Aroma / Bouquet: Expressive but gentle bouquet. Complexity. Fresh aromas such as flowers (roses and violets) but also more mature tones as currants, raisins and laurel. Taste / Finish: Fresh Sour start. Sufficient strength but also a remarkably smooth wine. Slightly less concentrated. General / potential: Pleasant, 'rustic' wine. 50 + Colour: 5 + Aroma / Bouquet: 14 + Taste / Finish: 16 + General / potential: 8 = 93/100 (5253 views) | | | Tasted by LWI on 1/21/2012 & rated 94 points: A Weekend in Excess; 1/20/2012-1/21/2012 (Trondheim, Norway): Perfumed, intense and smoky smell; a lot of clean berry aromas, complex; in the mouth it is round and warm, dark berries, very strong until the mid of the tasting curve, then falls off a bit, but still fine length. 94+p (6742 views) | | | Tasted by Amerique on 12/20/2011 & rated 94 points: Soft, smooth, fully expansive black cherry fruit with tobacco and spice flavors, excellent structure, medium length, could use more time to soften tannins but is very fresh and drinking terrifically now (4939 views) | | | Only displaying the 25 most recent notes - click to see all notes for this wine... |
| By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, Conterno Monfortino Magnum Vertical: 1970-2014 (Feb 2021) (2/1/2021)
(Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino (Magnum) Red) Subscribe to see review text. | By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino 1970-2006 [Magnum] (May 2014)
(Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino) Subscribe to see review text. | By John Gilman
View From the Cellar, Mar/Apr 2009, Issue #20, Piemonte’s Lovely and Elegant 1998 Vintage
(Barolo “Monfortino” Riserva Speciale - Giacomo Conterno) Login and sign up and see review text. | By John Gilman
View From the Cellar, Sep/Oct 2008, Issue #17, Cantine Giacomo Conterno: Piemonte Pillar of Excellence and Tradition
(Barolo “Monfortino” Riserva Speciale - Giacomo Conterno) Login and sign up and see review text. | By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, Italy’s 2001 Barolo and 2001 and 2003 Barbaresco vintages (Oct 2006)
(Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino) Subscribe to see review text. | By Antonio Galloni
Vinous, An Unforgettable Winter Dinner: Barolo 1958 – 1998 (May 2006)
(Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino) Subscribe to see review text. | By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, November/December 2002, IWC Issue #105
(Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Monfortino) Subscribe to see review text. | By Stephen Tanzer
Vinous, November/December 2000, IWC Issue #93
(Giacomo Conterno Barolo Monfortino) Subscribe to see review text. |
NOTE: Scores and reviews are the property of Vinous and View From the Cellar. (manage subscription channels) |
| Giacomo Conterno Producer website
Ken Vastola's fabulous guide to G. Conterno labels
Praelum: “Arguably the King of Barolo. No wine journey is complete without the tasting of one of the great Conternos. ‘Only premium quality can bring prestige to the Langhe.’ Giovanni Conterno taught his two sons Giacomo and Roberto after World War I to ferment and age wines in Bottis with prolonged maceration and ageing. The brothers split in 1969 and Giacomo started investing in his own vineyards since 1974. The wines of Cascina Francia, Monfortino and recently, Ceretta from Serralunga d’Alba are amongst the finest expressions of Nebbiolo that the wine world has ever seen. 4-6 years ageing usually.”NebbioloNebbiolo is a red grape indigenous to the Piedmont region of Italy in the Northwest. The grape can also be found in other parts of the world, though they are not as respected.
Nebbiolo is often considered the "king of red wines," as it is the grape of the famed wines of Barolo DOCG, Barbaresco DOCG, and Roero DOCG. It is known for high tannins and acidity, but with a distinct finesse. When grown on clay, Nebbiolo can be very powerful, tannic, and require long aging periods to reach its full potential. When grown on sand, the grape exhibits a more approachable body with more elegant fruit and less tannins, but still has high aging potential.
"Nebbiolo" is named for the Italian word, "nebbia", which means "fog", in Italian and rightfully so since there is generally a lot of fog in the foothills of Piedmont during harvest.
Nebbiolo is a late-ripening variety that does best in a continental climate that boasts moderate summers and long autumns. In Piedmont, Nebbiolo is normally harvested in October.
More links:
Varietal character (Appellation America) | Nebbiolo on CellarTrackerRiserva MonfortinoPlease read this very important note from Ken Vastola. In each vintage, all Monfortino is from the same lot. Even if some bottles say "Riserva" while others say "Riserva Speciale" or "Stravecchio", these are all from the same cask and bottling. There was only one bottling of Monfortino in each vintage.Italy Italian Wines (ItalianMade.com, The Italian Trade Commission) | Italian Wine Guide on the WineDoctorPiedmont Vignaioli Piemontesi (Italian only)
On weinlagen-infoLanghe Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Roero | Union of Producers of Albese Wines (Albeisa)BaroloRegional History:
The wines of Piedmont are noted as far back as Pliny's Natural History. Due to geographic and political isolation, Piedmont was without a natural port for most of its history, which made exportation treacherous and expensive. This left the Piedmontese with little incentive to expand production. Sixteenth-century records show a mere 14% of the Bassa Langa under vine -- most of that low-lying and farmed polyculturally. In the nineteenth century the Marchesa Falletti, a frenchwoman by birth, brought eonologist Louis Oudart from Champagne to create the first dry wines in Piemonte. Along with work in experimental vineyards at Castello Grinzane conducted by Camilo Cavour -- later Conte di Cavour, leader of the Risorgimento and first Prime Minister of Italy -- this was the birth of modern wine in the Piedmont. At the heart of the region and her reputation are Alba and the Langhe Hills. This series of weathered outcroppings south of the Tanaro River is of maritime origin and composed mainly of limestone, sand and clay, known as terra bianca. In these soils -located mainly around the towns of Barolo and Barbaresco -- the ancient allobrogica, now Nebbiolo, achieves its renowned fineness and power.
map of Barolo DOCG
An interesting thread on Traditional vs. Modern Barolo producers:
https://www.wineberserkers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=106291 |
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