December 23, 2023 - Three years later, consistent notes. This is still at the sweetspot of maturity.
August 26, 2020 - Best Barolo of 2020 so far. Medium garnet in color with a bit of sediment. The color shows some age but it is still pretty. The fully mature nose shows off its power upon popping the cork and develops in the decanter over two hours. Notes of leather, tar, truffle, dried roses, cigar box. It is a brambly, earthy wine. On the palate it is dry with bright acidity, fully integrated sweet tannins and no heat. There are flavors of black cherry, sage, and ferric undertones. The finish is of exceptional length. Contratto has over-delivered this vintage, outperforming many at twice the cost. It offers great value and properly cellar should drink well for another handful of years.
September 23, 2018 - From Jeroboam: absolutely stunning. Brilliant ripe fruit, little bit of nuance. magic, not least given I paid less than $100 for the 3L.... many times these random bets aren't that good but I'm pleased to report this gamble most certainly paid off
March 9, 2018 - Beautiful barolo, in a fantastic place right now. Upon opening, the nose was fresh and big, not typical of Piedmont at all - clearly new world. Then over about 30 minutes the dried flowers and cherry that I associate as varietally typical aromas and flavors came through and this was a joy to sip over about an hour. Great stuff, excellent qpr for what I paid.
August 31, 2017 - Still drinking beautifully!
May 11, 2017 - Killer wine. Notes consistent with most recent.
May 27, 2012 - There are so many aromas and flavors here the variety sip to sip is endless. Just opened, roses dominate, but many different roses. Open for a while and cherries start to predominate. The overtones on top create a delightful symphony. Tannins still evident, but integrated. Good acidity. Long, long finish. If you're familiar with the nebbiolo grape, this will delight.
December 3, 2011 - Delicious, tannins resolved fruit reappears after some time open. Acidity works well with food.