Barolo Ginestra 'Vigna del Gris'

Score

96

"Notes of red berries, crushed herbs and orange blossom with hints of lilac and wet stones. Medium- to full-bodied. Meaty and mouth-filling with polished tannins that are a little chewy at the end. Refined and sleek. Hints of bitter spices in the finish. Try after 2026."

Score

94

Score

95+

"Quite robust and powerful on first nose, the 2019 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris needs more time in bottle to flesh out and move past this current youthful phase. This wine is definitely poised to give more to those who wait. It opens to a dark garnet hue and ripe aromas of cherry skin, plum, rose and orange peel. Within the span of a few minutes, it starts to show additional spice and nutmeg. The tannins are still grippy in this 9,100-bottle release."

Score

95

"Offers attractive notes of cherry and raspberry, plus iron, tar and underbrush flavors wrapped in an embrace of toasty oak. Overall, this red is balanced and the fruit should emerge as all the elements integrate over the next decade or so. Long, resonant finish. Best from 2027 through 2045. ‡B.S."

Score

96

"A pretty, layered aroma and elegant, vibrant palate add up to greatness in this structured, complex and age-worthy wine. Balsam, rose petals, violets and cinnamon meet snappy sour cherry, raspberry and star anise on the palate. Best from 2028 and onwards."

Score

17+

"Monforte d'Alba. Lustrous mid ruby. High-pitched, perfumed cherry nose with savoury oak notes that perfectly integrate. Elegant but still compact and a little embryonic on the palate with bags of polished tannins. Finely balanced and structured. (WS)"

Score

94

"The ruby-colored 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna Del Gris, which is sourced from 30-year-old vines, is floral and inviting with perfumed layers of mixed berries, preserved strawberries, wet stones, and herbes de Provence. The palate offers more structure and more pronounced citrus orange tones, with ripe tannins and a great finish. This will be a very appealing drink over the next 12-15 years."

Score

95

"The 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris is ample and resonant in this tasting. As has been the case for a few years now, the Vigna del Gris is marked by finessed tannins, likely a result of older vines and more favorable weather for cooler sites like this one. Dark and ample, with gorgeous textural depth. the Vigna del Gris is so expressive in this tasting. It is another impeccable wine from Conterno-Fantino. Plum, blood orange, chalk and white pepper linger on the persistent finish."

Score

94

"The 2020 Barolo Ginestra Vigna del Gris exhibits ripe fruit, dried cherry skin, plum, oak spice, medicinal cherry or cola, classic baking spice and coconut flakes. There is plenty of fruit on the palate, and it's not going anywhere soon, so you have some legroom for aging. The acidity and the tannins are balanced, and only the oak feels a little too prominent. Give it time. 9,000 bottles were made."

Score

93

"Packed with cherry, raspberry, floral and mineral flavors, this red is graceful yet backed by a base of dense tannins. Supple and fluid, with fine balance, plus a light, spicy underpinning. Excellent length. Best from 2028 through 2045. —B.S."