2004 - Barolo Bussia Romirasco, Poderi Aldo Conterno

Imposing and dark on the palate, the 2004 Barolo Romirasco possesses massive fruit, beguiling aromatics and considerable depth. Today, the 2004 is a bit in an awkward stage, where tertiary aromatics have not yet developed although much of the wine's youthful exuberance has begun to fade. As such, the 2004 is best cellared for at least another few years. Although some time has passed, I did expect the 2004 Romirasco to be a touch fresher than this. I purchased this bottle following the liquidation of a large amount of Aldo Conterno stock in the US a few years ago.

Vines 45-50 years old and this vineyard is their monopoly. Aged 28-30 months in big Slavonian oak. Sweetly perfumed dark, violet fruit, with sweet oak spice and generous on the palate. Rich with sweet cherry and spice and dried fruit and just starting to show a leathery note. Concentrated and firm but tannins already remarkably velvety. (JH)