Jay Kline

9.3

Ginestra is arguably one of the most important MGA’s in Monforte d’Alba. It was called out by Renato Ratti back in the early days of Barolo vineyard classification and its home to Gavarini, Chiniera, Rüncot, Pajana and Grassi. As you might imagine, Cascina Chicco’s Ginestra Riserva is more than a Riserva from Ginestra. In fact, the fruit comes from the heart of the single-vineyard known as Grassi which enjoys the best exposure (straight south). However, instead of calling out “Grassi” on the label (which they are entitled to do), Cascina Chicco simply refers to “Ginestra”. Perhaps it’s tradition since Ginestra is so well known. Whatever the case may be, what really matters is that it’s delicious.

Popped and poured; enjoyed over a several hour period. The 2012 Ginestra Riserva pours a deep garnet with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears and no signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with powerful notes of Morello cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, cranberry, strawberry, compote, tar, roses, dried green herbs, limestone earth, and faint warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The body is fit and the texture is silky, refined. The finish is long and grippy. As one who doesn’t drink a lot of Riservas (they are expensive and sometimes a bit overdone, particularly when the Classico is just brilliant enough) this is a wonderful example that shows a lot of energy and guts for such a solar vintage. Drink now with patience and through 2042. — 5 days ago

Cathy Corison

Owner/Winemaker Corison Winery

9.2

Extremely light color. Simpler than the Ginestra Casa Maté — 2 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.3

Another terrific wine from Cirro at Le Volpe e l’uva. A little tight at first, but with a bit of air this filled out beautifully. Went great with pesto fettucini w/chicken that we threw together for dinner! — 3 years ago

with Vanessa

Severn Goodwin

9.3

2000 | Nebbiolo
Domenico Clerico; Pajana (Ginestra)
Piedmont - Langhe; Barolo, Monforte d'Alba, Italy
(92-94; Drink 2030-40)

Nose has cherry jam, wet leather, stewed red fruits, sweet tobacco and dark chocolate.
Palate has cherry mash, moist chocolate brownie, cedar and sea salt. Fading but present tannins.

12H decant, still needs airing, long life ahead. I'm a fan of 2000 Baroli. — 4 months ago

Martijn

9.2

@Kay Delectable this is aldo clerico barolo Ginestra 2015 — a year ago

with Eric, Willem and 1 other

Jan de Weerd

9.4

A red blend from Tuscany. Young but with an old soul. Upfront red fruit flavors rapidly turn into layers of dark, dusty, earthy juice extracts polished with fine grained tannins creating a pleasant finish. Excellent wine. — 2 years ago

with Tammy

Ed Chin

9.0

A nice wine though I don’t see this being really interesting. More on the simple side. — 6 months ago

Craig Marino

9.2

earthier and drier; more complex; definitely got more drinkable over time — 10 months ago

Daniel Bello

9.4

Great wine, crowd pleaser — 2 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.4

The 2017 Barolo del Commune di Monforte d’Alba is a gorgeous, beguiling wine. Readers will find a Barolo that expresses all of the balsamic, spiced character typical of Ginestra Barolos but without the heft that can make some wines forbidding. Transparent, gracious and super-expressive, Conterno's 2017 is all class. Don't miss it. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous, October 2021)
— 2 years ago