Barolo Riserva 'Ginestra'

Score

94

"The Paolo Conterno 2016 Barolo Ginestra Riserva is the top-shelf release from this estate. This special 4,000-bottle production ages in botte grande for a long six years. Fruit comes from a south-facing parcel with 40-year-old vines. This wine presents a big fruit profile with a powerful 15.5% alcohol content. It is redolent of smoke, scorched earth, bramble, root, licorice and cooked fruit. It is loosely textured and accessible. There are sweet fruit notes on the close."

Score

94

"This intense red features eucalyptus, cherry, plum, iron and tobacco aromas and flavors. Aligned with firm, energetic tannins and a core of ripe fruit. There are still tannins to be resolved, yet this shows fine potential. Best from 2027 through 2045. 333 cases made, 111 cases imported."

Score

16

"Monforte d'Alba. Developed mid ruby with bright orange tinges. Dramatic nose of enormous concentration of fruit with hints of fruit cake, and peppery notes. Rich, ripe and mouth-filling and definitely ready, but will stay on this plateau for quite a while. A big mouthful of fruit spiked with ripe chewy tannins. It is not without delight, though. (WS) 15.5%"

Score

95

Score

94

Score

93

"A smoky, spicy version, this red evokes flavors of cherry, earth, smoky spices and iron. Firm and powerful, with a wide swath of muscular tannins, this is well-balanced overall, but could use a bit more time to integrate the tannins. Best from 2025 through 2047. —B.S."