Gladys Xiques

9.3

Wow. Not like a Barolo. More like Burgundian. It’s very elegant with light tannins and exquisitely paired with every item on the tasting menu. — 20 days ago

John Malcolm

9.6

Decanted for eight hours. Full-bodied and silky smooth. Plums, tar licorice, menthol, and oak. Long, satisfying finish. — 4 months ago

Jay Kline

9.5

Brought to V. Mertz from my cellar. Cascina Fontana is an ultra-traditional producer located in the commune of Castiglione Falletto; just across the border from Monforte d’Alba. The bulk of their holdings are western-facing parcels within the Mariondino MGA that were formerly part of the “Valletti Zone”. However, as an ultra-traditionalist, they only produce two Barolos and both are blends of fruit from different MGAs. One is labeled simply "Barolo" (which is a blend of fruit sourced from their holdings in both Castiglione Falletto and La Morra) and this wine, labeled under the “del Commune di Castiglione Falletto” designation. It is a blend fruit from Mariondino and the neighboring Villero MGA. Their holdings in Villero don’t suck either. Their parcels reside next to those of Vietti and Giacomo Fenocchio.

The 2016 Cascina Fontana pours a bright garnet with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity and no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous aromas of Morello cherry, bruised strawberry, pink and white roses with freshly cut stems, crushed rock and some tar. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. The texture? Simply divine. A debonair Barolo from Castiglione Falletto that paired well with Morgan Ranch wagyu tartar. Because it’s 2016 (and with a little Villero), you can drink now with patience and through…well…probably 2066. No cap. — 8 months ago

Pooneet K

9.3

Lovely Barolo. Last had 4 years ago. Honestly was probably a smidge better then, I wouldn’t wait on this one any further. Aromatically quite wonderful and classic. Excellent mouthfeel, with great depth and finish. Delicious with garlic and fennel seed crusted pork chops. Decanted 1.5 hours, not sure it was needed. — 2 months ago

Ron Siegel

9.4

Beautiful aromatics showing sweet red berry, savory spices, cedar, balsamic, orange peel, rose petal & tobacco — 7 months ago

Jeremy Shanker

Sommelier at RN74

9.1

A solid wine, but slightly underwhelming for Giacosa. Maybe it’s 03, or that it needs more time. — 9 months ago

Alberto Cdm

9.1

2016 puzzetta — 2 months ago

Ericsson

9.1

Some old Barolo for good ol Italian with an even older friend. Cheers. — 4 months ago

Russ Bus

9.3

Still super young. 7 hour decant started to open. Great acidity and concentration of flavor with very early tertiary notes emerging. Color gives away age but that is. Hold until at least 2031 before trying again. Estimated optimum window 2036-2050 — 7 months ago

Steven Heydemann

9.5

This was the 2001. A stellar wine. Will continue to improve. — 10 months ago