2016 is a beautifully classical year for Barolo - the wines are concentrated with superb bright fruit. They will require time in the cellar but will be beguiling when mature. Diego Conterno "makes wines that offer superb quality and value".
"There is no question 2016 is a brilliant vintage full of magnificent wines. My view is that 2016 is one of the most consistently outstanding vintages I have come across. It is simply hard to go wrong with Barolo in 2016. There has never been a more exciting time to explore Piedmont."
"Diego Conterno is an estate to watch. Conterno sold his shares in the Conterno-Fantino winery in 2000 and set out to make wines on his own aided by his son, Stefano, reviving a family tradition that goes back several generations. The wines have continued to improve since I started tasting them several years ago. Vineyard sites include parcels in Pajana, Gris and Sorì Ginestra (now part of the larger Ginestra cru), along with San Pietro and San Giovanni, all in Monforte. The Barolos blend the energy and brawn of Monforte with the translucence of traditionally-inspired winemaking." - Antonio Galloni - Oct'2020
In vintage 2016 Diego Conterno has the best reviews we have seen from Galloni for the cantina's wines; and these two offered today have been re-scored a notch higher than in last November's tasting. Patience is required for Monforte - the most noble of Barolos! The first wine is intrinsically a superior village wine, while the Ginestra is a single vineyard - and can be considered a 'grand cru' of Barolo.
Barolo del comune di Monforte d'Alba 2016
£175 per 6 in bond
Previously offered and now shipped
93 points Antonio Galloni (vinous.com)
The 2016 Barolo del Comune di Monforte d’Alba is a sinewy, nervous wine that needs at least a few years in bottle to be at its best. Firm Monforte tannins envelop a core of dark fruit. Crushed rocks, minerals, black cherry, mint, sage and liquorice open in the glass, but only with great reluctance. A bit of patience will be rewarded. This is such a pretty and expressive Barolo. The blend is 60% Gris and 40% Pajana.
Drink 2024-2040
Barolo Ginestra 2016
£250 per 6 in bond
Seckford pre-arrival (expected in early 2021)
94+ points Antonio Galloni (vinous.com)
The 2016 Barolo Ginestra captures all of the breadth and power of this highly regarded Monforte site. Black cherry, orange peel, dark spice, menthol and liquorice are all wrapped together. Rich and potent, with firm tannins and a classic sense of structure, the 2016 bristles with real intensity in all of its dimensions. There is real substance and plenty of personality here.
Drink 2024-2040