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." — 8 days ago

Jan de Weerd

9.2

Very nice wine. Everything was in sync. Tannins had tamed down and fully integrated with this vibrant wine. Fourteen years old but still super vibrant with fresh fruit. — 2 months ago

with Tammy

Mark Rosse

9.4

Just getting better and better — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.0

2022 vintage. Medium heavy bod. Super-drinkable. Too drinkable. Needs some brakes but don’t foresee a brake job any time soon. — 3 days ago

Chris MacLean

9.1

Excellent in ten years — a month ago

with Jason and Eli

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

Jose Lorenzo

9.6

A huge treat. Just exquisite. — 19 days ago

Jack Petras

9.3

22, with nice meal at Andovers LaRosa. Gorgeous aromas of cherry and rose. Silky mid palate very pleasing. A big hit with everyone at the table. — a month ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.1

Bright Ruby color with aromas of red berry fruits, spice and floral notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and strawberry with spice, licorice and floral notes. Fine chewy tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, floral spice and slight earthy character. — a month ago

Steven Winokur

9.0

Super smooth and a creamy buttery feel@on the tongue We had lamb and grouper and this bridged the gap wonderfully. — a month ago