Jay Kline

9.5

Poured into a decanter immediately prior to service. Not only was this 43 year old willing, it was positively singing right out of the gates! The 1981 Fontanafredda Barolo (classico) shows good color: a deep garnet with a transparent core and significant rim variation; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears. There is some light sediment but most was decanted off. On the nose, the wine is vinous with gorgeous notes of ripe and desiccated dark cherries, pomegranate, old leather-bound books, truffle, earth and exotic spices. On the palate the wine is dry. The tannins are integrated but still pretty firm and acid is medium+. Confirming the notes on the nose. The finish is long and savory. Wow, what a remarkable bottle of Fontanafredda; arguably the best I’ve had. Perhaps I’ve aged as well? One would certainly hope. If you are also 43 years old or holding onto any of these 81’s from Fontanafredda, drink now. However, if this bottle is representative of well cellared examples, it could easily drink well through 2031. — 3 days ago

hiro

8.9

後、10年後なので💦 — 5 months ago

Daniel M

9.0

Lemon, lemon curd, white flowers, a tiny chalky thing too. This is a very intriguing and inviting nose. The palate is very well made, with a superlative balance. Great acid drive, lovely lemony and lemon curd touches, even lemon syrup, good grip, long fruity, zingy finish with almost a sweet twist to it. It's great! — 8 months ago

Daniel Ciolek

9.2

Day 1 - Nose - dense rose - raspberry/strawberry & spice earthy. Palate / all of the above but more earthy/ tannins with Long lingering finish on opening.
2 days later - totally different wine. Nose sweet cherry and spice. Palate is silky and complex with cherry, balsamic, truffle, spice, and undergrowth. Tannins are soft leaving lingering tingling on the front of the tongue.
— a month ago

Frank McKiernan

9.2

The color is a clear garnet with a cleans medium smell of sweet red fruits, mostly strawberry. It has a medium sweetness, acidity, and alcohol level that is balanced by full body, intensity and finish. Tastes mostly or cherry and was very enjoyable. — 3 months ago

Merrilee Schofield

9.5

Absolutely delicious. A little bit of everything. I would hoard this wine if I could. — 8 months ago

AEL

9.1

Needed a few more years, but eventually opened up. Crunchy, tannic, crushed rose petals on nose, strawberries too. Traditional, classy barolo. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2013 vintage. Last tasted 7.26.23 (9.4). This time via Coravin. Seemed to be in a state of transition just 8 months later. A little less body, spice and overall concentration. Definitely needed airtime. 3.20.24. — 2 months ago

Brendan Powell

9.2

Awesome and great value. From Eataly. — 6 months ago

Jess

9.0

Medium ruby color.
Aromas of ripe black cherry, spice.
Dry. Flavors of sour cherry, cinnamon, floral, clove. Medium, chewy tannins.

Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5 — 8 months ago