Conterno Ginestra Riserva, Barolo DOCG, Italy

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：3020

The 2005 Barolo Riserva Ginestra is a wine that will require considerable patience, as the tannins are quite firm. Dark cherries, plums, spices, leather and menthol wrap around the palate in this muscular wine. This is a big, rich Barolo, but whether or not there is enough fruit to stand up to the tannin as the wine ages remains an open question. Based on my experience with this wine, I am inclined to think the structural elements will ultimately overpower the fruit. Anticipated maturity: 2015-2020.Proprietor Giorgio Conterno’s strength lies with the Nebbioli from his holdings in the Ginestra vineyard. Conterno makes a wide range of selections, but the straight Barolo Ginestra is his finest wine year in, year out.A Marc de Grazia Selection: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200

The 2004 Barolo Riserva Ginestra is a rich, layered wine that captures the essence of this great vintage. Dark plums, black cherries, tar, leather and licorice all make an appearance in this kaleidoscopic, multi-dimensional Barolo. Each taste brings with it a new shade of nuance, expressing the complexity and ever changing personality of the very finest Baroli. Only a slight hint of woodiness on the finish keeps the score from going higher. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2029. Importers: Artisan Wine, Norwalk, CT; tel. (203) 866-4552

The 2003 Barolo Riserva Ginestra is a big, powerful wine built on an intense core of fruit. As is typical of hot vintages, the wine’s aromatics are somewhat suppressed in favor of the fruit but the wine nevertheless comes across as beautifully balanced. The tannins are broad yet very nicely integrated. Although I am not a big fan of Riservas in 2003, Ginestra is one of the few vineyards that always maintains quite a bit of acidity and therefore freshness. This Barolo is truly gorgeous. Roasted coffee beans, worn-in leather, and cedar waft from the empty glass. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2023. There is a purity to proprietor Giorgio Conterno’s wines that I find incredibly appealing. These three Barolos are essentially different selections, all from the Ginestra vineyard in Monforte. Fermentation takes place using the traditional submerged cap method, after which the Barolos are aged in large, neutral French oak barrels, an approach that works beautifully with the intensely spiced and aromatic Ginestra fruit.Importer: Artisan Wine, Norwalk, CT; tel. (203) 866-4552