2019 Barolo

Organic

94 points Vinous
The 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is another terrific wine from Conterno-Fantino. Crushed flowers, cedar, pipe tobacco, mint, dried flowersand worn in leather give the 2019 striking aromatic presence. Here, too, Fabio Conterno has done a terrific jobin taming the Monforte tannins. The Gris never has the completeness of the other Crus, but in 2019 it is positively striking. I would drink this ahead of the other 2019s. Drinking Window 2024-2034

I was blown away by the wines I tasted at Conterno-Fantino. The 2019s are nuanced transparent and wonderfully expressive of place. In other words everything Barolo should be. Everything starts in the vineyard which has always been evident here. In recent years Fabio Fantino has refined that approach giving the wines a level of precision that is impossible to miss. The 2019s spent 15-18 days on the skins far longer than a decade ago and were aged in a combination of barrique and 25hL casks. The 2019s are simply stellar.

Organic

91 points Vinous
The 2019 Barolo is gorgeous. Dark, ample and super-expressive, the 2019 caresses the palate with generous fruit and fine balance. All the elements are so well put together. Succulent dark cherry, plum, leather, rose petal and spice are nicely amplified in this striking entry-level offering from the Rinaldi family. As is often the case, the straight Barolo punches above its weight.

The Francesco Rinaldi’s normale Barolo displays supple fruit with distant aromas of wild strawberries and cherries. The standard blending formula for this classic Barolo sees fruit from six vineyard parcels, including some from the celebrated Cannubi cru that is most strongly identified with this estate. This vintage awards some added softness and fruitiness that goes a long way to create a long and silky mouthfeel.

98 points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Barolo Bric del Fiasc is the hallmark wine of the estate, and it shows. Taking on more concentration, it is pure and generous with kirsch, star anise, nutmeg, and menthol and moves impressively to the palate with ease and nobility. It offers fantastic depth while remaining true to the vintage and propels forward through an arch of acidity, while having grounded notes of Earl Grey tea, black cherry, and crushed stones as well as ripe tannins.

This has all the hallmarks of an Angelo Gaja wine, power and richness, and yet elegant on the palate. A brooding ruby red color with intricate currant, balsamic, and herbal notes. Incredibly structured and vigorous resulting in great length and persistence. This will develop for many years to come. The name Dagromis pays homage and thanks to the Gromis family, owners of the vineyard grafted to Nebbiolo in La Morra until Gaja bought it in 1995. Now supplemented by those from selected vineyards in Serralunga d?????Alba, the grapes used for Dagromis best express the combination of the two chosen terroirs.

Organic

Organic

96 points Decanter
Bricco Fiasco is a single cru, vinified by itself since 1978, today from vines of 85 years old. The wine, after long maceration and ageing in botti grandi, opens up to smoky woodland notes, with citrus leaf, bark, wild strawberry and rose water delicacy. Full of sucrosity on the palate, the attack is youthful, with firm acidity and grainy, very elegant tannins. Structure and concentration are perfectly woven and poised, giving to this cru terrific balance which will count for ageing. Drinking Window: 2023 - 2050

95 points Wine Advocate
Bricco Fiasco is a proprietary name for a vineyard in Castiglione Falletto with 85 year old vines. Luigi Scavino says, "These vines represent a unique heritage for our family." The 2019 Barolo Bricco Fiasco (with 5,800 bottles released) is a little shy initially, with heavier berry fruit aromas that eventually relax to show campfire ash, pencil shaving and pressed rose. Put this bottle aside for a few more years.