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." — 4 hours 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. — 6 days ago
#occhipinti #frappato #dellanima — 6 days ago
2/2026. Full flavor and nice finish. Easy drinking. — 17 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 — 10 days ago
Medium Ruby color with aromas of berry fruits and spicy floral notes. On the palate flavors of tart cherry, blueberry and red plum with pepper spice, burnt toast and herbs. Fine chalky tannins, medium+ finish ending with fruit, spice, floral and slight earthy character. Has short term aging benefit, but nice now! — 13 days ago
Wine was delicious. Not harsh and no after taste or heartburn. Sweet but not too sweet. — 5 days ago
Jennifer
Yummy Amarone with colleagues in Singapore (Shangri La Italian restaurant). Yep, would quite happily have another bottle. 2020 — a month ago