Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 98
The 2008 is one of the most unusual Monfortinos of all time. A very late stretch of cold weather at the end of the season led to a Monfortino endowed with unreal inner perfume and aromatic depth. Hard candy, kirsch, lavender, rose petal, menthol and spice weave throughout a core of dark Nebbiolo fruit. This is so captivating.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2048
Vinous 95-96
Good full medium red. Captivating aromas of raspberry, game, licorice and black olive show a liqueur-like decadence. Fat, lush and sweet; amazingly ripe and open-knit for a Monfortino still in barrel. Great texture and fruit complexity here. Finishes with outstanding broad, suave, fine-grained tannins and a burst of cherry liqueur. Conterno may bottle this wine next year, a little ahead of his normal schedule. I find it a bit more exotic than a sample I tasted two years ago.
Wine Advocate 97
The 2008 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is pure excitement. The bouquet alone is alluring, but then the wine begins to open up on the palate, revealing extraordinary depth. An explosion of fruit follows as dark berries, mint, roses, incense and tar flesh out in all directions. Huge, powerful tannins frame an extraordinary finish. This is going to be a thrilling Monfortino to follow over the coming years and decades. Anticipated maturity: 2028-2048. Roberto Conterno’s 2008s capture the best qualities of the vintage. They are intensely perfumed and impeccably refined. These will be fascinating wines to follow over the coming years. As for the rest of the wines in cask, they are pretty spectacular, too. Today I am most optimistic about the 2010s, but there seems to be no shortage of great wines aging in this historic cellar. Readers who want to get an early impression on 2010 will want to check out Conterno’s Barbere, which are shaping up beautifully. Importers: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404, The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484
Anticipated maturity: 2028-2048
