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." — 10 days ago
Ah, Vietti. Always good. Our dear friend Val has flown in for my wife's birthday, and we are popping a few bottles tonight. This is a very nice expression of Nebbiolo. Lively and fruity, with a touch of rose petal and a little chocolate (on the nose).
We are listening to Sabrina Carpenter — 19 days ago
After tasting next to other organic/low intervention wines, the structure and finesse of this wine becomes more evident. Smooth red and dark fruit on the palate with good but no overwhelming acidity. Drinks like a wine from a colder climate. — 9 days ago

Last of the my Mohicans, but at 10 yrs everything is balanced and integrated with smooth silky tannins. Tricky cork extraction but I wouldn’t recommend leaving it too long before you drink this vintage.
It’s terrific when you find a wine that is really singing and hitting the high notes
Overall excellent😀 — 3 days ago
Balsamic notes with a trace of mint. Barely medium weight with a soft fleshy palate - red cherries, spice and sweet herbs. This palate reflects the fact that 2013 was a good to very good vintage in Barolo. Great length at the finish. The first of 3 from my cellar. — 15 days ago
Decanted to remove sediment- but wonderful almost sherry notes - with Texels lamb rack — 9 days ago
Pooneet K
Always love this wine every year. The 2023 is 14%. Tons of dried strawberry on the nose. Excellent depth and mouthfeel, with a surprisingly long finish. Quite delicious. — 3 days ago