Riserva Monfortino Barolo Nebbiolo

Conterno’s “Monfortino” Barolo Riserva (early vintages like this one were labeled as “Stravecchia” and “Extra Barolo”) practically defined the Riserva style. In many ways, one could make the arguement that it blazed the trail for Barolo’s reputation as being the age-worthy wine it is today. Back in the early days, Monfortino was a blend of purchased fruit. Control of Cascina Francia, in Serralunga d’Alba, did not come until the late 1970’s. I can’t be sure but I believe the fruit used to be sourced from Monforte d’Alba and specifically from Le Coste, Bussia and possibly others.

This bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1941 Monfortino pours a pale garnet/rust color with significant rim variation and a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Maraschino cherry, menthol, Tootsie Roll, espresso macchiato, walnut, and truffle. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Sublime. Getting to experience an 80+ year old wine is always a special treat. Getting to experience a Barolo from World War II, during one of the darkest periods in Italy’s past, is extraordinary. Getting to experience early Monfortino (pre-estate) made by Giacomo himself…well, it is drinking history. I nearly got emotional. While it’s clearly is showing its age, the 1941 shows its class and has some impressive moves. We delighted as it danced across the palate, proving that it still has stories to tell. Drink now if you ever see a bottle.

Tobacco, leather, black cherry, earth. Very pure and intense. An inkiness and a lucid purity. Really good

A little tang and tobacco. Pure dark cherry fruit. Some saddle leather and funky beef. A slight edge of balsamic. Good stuff

2013.

Pure and light in color, tangy fruit, a few green notes but light plum, pencil lead and still punchy fruit. Gorgeous stuff. In great shape. Jef ROPP

Settled and pretty. Tell tale Barolo notes of tar and wood. Roses and faded plum with done dried herbs and a hint of dried orange. Balanced and transparent. Long. Very good.

Night 1 of WineBoyz Wineapalooza. Tasted blind. Very light and transparent in the glass. Light amber color. Great old Barolo nose. Notes of cherries, earth, roses, camphor. While light in color and very translucent, this has a big impact in the mouth. Tons of acidity. Nice structure. Fruit is somewhat faded but still present. Another great performance by this wine. Guessed this as the 61 Monfortino...

This is still quite self contained. Slowly coming out of the glass. Violets, bright cherry, salinity, gorgeous plum. Great definition and light on the elements of the palate. Getting better by the minute. Wow

1995 Vintage

This is awesome. Very fresh. Iodine, rockpools, dark plum, licorice. This is vibrant, clean and aromatic. Violets, tar, black cherry. This is long, complex and, frankly, amazing. What a bottle. This’ll be a pensioner next year!