Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
92
"Good full medium red. Wild aromas of redcurrant, black cherry, tar and leather; this smells tannic but the fruit element expands impressively as the wine opens in the glass. Then large-scaled and firm in the mouth, with powerful acidity currently suppressing the wine's sweetness. There's a boatload of fruit here, but today the wine's mineral and gamey elements dominate. In a very traditional style, and completely different from the Colonnello: more backward and more masculine (Conterno refers to it as "our rude boy"). The serious tannins build with air and currently cut off the wine's finishing fruit." -Stephen Tanzer
Decanter
D
92
"After passing up Barolo production in 2002 and 2003, and losing Cicala to hail in 2004, the Conterno family crafted the 2005 from grapes picked before the rain from the highest part of this 3.2 hectare cru. Restrained scents of brushwood and tar make the explosive profusion of exotic spice, vanillin and alpine herbs on the palate all the more surprising. The angular shape and rigid, sinewy tannins are amplified by bracing acidity. Needs a proper meat braise."
Wine Spectator
WS
95
"Strawberry pie and cream aromas lead to a full-bodied palate. Very thick and powerful, with big, velvety tannins and masses of fruit. A blockbuster style."
Details
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Grape Variety
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Vintage
2005
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Size
750ml
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Farming Practice
Traditional