Her Mir Tage

9.7

1955 Giacomo Conterno Barolo (Ditta) – The "Great Emperor"

Appearance: The wine unfurls in the glass with a majestic, deep garnet core that gracefully fades into a wide brick-orange rim—the unmistakable heraldry of seven decades of life. It is perfectly clear and luminous, promising a profound experience.

Nose (Aroma): The aromatic profile is a walk through an ancient, sacred forest after the rain. It opens with a deep sense of humid earth, fungal truffle, and a subtle, refined smoked leather. As it opens, a beautiful core of blueberry compote and dried dark fruits emerges, intertwined with a complex tapestry of Chinese medicinal herbs and dried florals. It is both powerful and hauntingly ethereal.

Palate (Taste): The palate is a breathtaking journey into umami and complexity. True to the legend, the fruit has transformed into an intense medley of sweet preserved fruit (dried apricot, date). This is immediately met with a profound savory depth: a distinct salted Chinese preserved plum character provides a mouthwatering salinity, while a fine dusting of astragalus root powder and angelica root brings an authentic, warming medicinal bitterness that defines the wine’s regal structure. A hint of spicy dried ginger soda lingers on the mid-palate, adding a lift of unexpected freshness.

Acidity & Structure: The acidity is the heartbeat of this wine—sustained, mellow, and incredibly refined. It does not jab but rather flows continuously, carrying the dense, dried flavors across the palate with remarkable energy. The tannins have fully resolved into a silken, powdery texture, leaving nothing but harmony.

Finish: The finish is eternal, echoing with notes of dried citrus peel, forest floor, and a final whisper of sweet tobacco and herbs. A truly humbling experience; this is not merely a wine, but a living artifact of time, worthy of the title "Great Emperor." — 14 days ago

Vino Joe

9.5

Expressive. Deep. Tannins reverberated. Just outstanding. — 2 months ago

Michael Walker

9.8

This one had good bones but the slightest hint of vinegar on both the nose and palate - and the telltale orange rim in the glass. Drinkable but maybe just OTH and couldn’t measure up to the previous reds — 2 months ago

Pooneet K

9.2

One of the best langhe nebbiolos I’ve had recently, especially for a relatively reasonable price on the list at Leon’s. And a great pairing with pork braciole as well. Lots of fruit, but still quite refined, with great texture and acid. Quite pretty and delicious. — 11 days ago

Greg Koslosky

9.2

Lovely Barolo from a ripe vintage really showed well after being decanted for an hour. — a month ago

Mark Rosse

9.4

Just getting better and better — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2021 vintage. Dusty and plummy for the duration with a decent, tannic doorstop that just won't budge. 1.9.26. — 2 months ago

Jose Lorenzo

9.6

A huge treat. Just exquisite. — 24 days ago

Inseon Hwang

9.4

Excellent — 15 days ago

Andrew Cullimore

9.2

Medium garnet with a medium garnet rim. This is quite closed at first , after a sweet spice and sweet , quite heady mix of strawberry , raspberry , dark cherry, menthol and a meaty , porcini note . On the palate this is quite sweet and juicy , with raspberry , smoky cherries and strawberry , and the menthol , liquorice hints . Quite grippy but ripe tannins and balanced acidity . Slightly heady alcohol but the sheer intensity of the wine leaves it balanced . Good summer fruit , spiced liquorice tinged finish . Needs a bit of time , probably better in 5 years and will continue well for a further 5 to 10 , maybe longer . — 2 months ago