Jay Kline

9.5

Brought to V. Mertz from my cellar. Cascina Fontana is an ultra-traditional producer located in the commune of Castiglione Falletto; just across the border from Monforte d’Alba. The bulk of their holdings are western-facing parcels within the Mariondino MGA that were formerly part of the “Valletti Zone”. However, as an ultra-traditionalist, they only produce two Barolos and both are blends of fruit from different MGAs. One is labeled simply "Barolo" (which is a blend of fruit sourced from their holdings in both Castiglione Falletto and La Morra) and this wine, labeled under the “del Commune di Castiglione Falletto” designation. It is a blend fruit from Mariondino and the neighboring Villero MGA. Their holdings in Villero don’t suck either. Their parcels reside next to those of Vietti and Giacomo Fenocchio.

The 2016 Cascina Fontana pours a bright garnet with a transparent core; medium+ viscosity and no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with gorgeous aromas of Morello cherry, bruised strawberry, pink and white roses with freshly cut stems, crushed rock and some tar. On the palate, the wine is bone dry with high tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and savory. The texture? Simply divine. A debonair Barolo from Castiglione Falletto that paired well with Morgan Ranch wagyu tartar. Because it’s 2016 (and with a little Villero), you can drink now with patience and through…well…probably 2066. No cap. — 4 months ago

Mike Swinford

9.4

Excellent Barolo! Chocolatey goodness! — 11 years ago

Aaron Tan

9.3

Now this I paid attention to. Mainly because I was forced to - being paired with the duck course - but also because it was quite brilliant. Needs a decant though to open up that nose. Very rosey, red cherry driven, with some spicy, savoury intrigue (balsamic vinegar, mint, rosemary, liquorice, mushroom, a little game) and maybe some oak (hint of vanilla?). Like the other Nebb's in the dinner, the palate's elegant, but I guess that's the only way CW would have it. Some might call it light even, but for me, it's got great presence and makes it the more drinkable Nebb during the night. Again red fruits, orange oil, smoke, earth, tabacco leaf, mineral. Long finish with a very refined structure.

NB: From BBR - Mario decided not to make a Barolo del Comune di Castiglione Falletto in the 2014 vintage, so this is very much a “super-Barolo”, with a higher percentage of Castiglione Falletto (75 percent) than in 2013 when it made up 60 percent. The remaining 25 percent comes from their La Morra Giachino vineyard. — 5 years ago

Andrew Lampasone

Owner Wine Watch Selections

9.0

Planted in 1948 la morra is lighter more elegant — 10 years ago

Devin Bostick

8.9

2009, not ready yet, too sour, body isn't strong enough to balance out, rough mud at end... so that was hour 1, hour 2, much better balance, some sourness and tannin but candy aroma of maraschino cherry — 7 years ago

Ryan Guy

9.3

Open for 8 hours... crimson with a slight copper rim. Elegant, cherry liquor, raspberry, herbal, and mushroom notes on the nose. Feminine style more than powerful, but chewy tannin backbone persists. Rich red fruit transition to chalky notes, then milk chocolate on the finish. Blended grapes from four crus in the La Morra area of Barolo. Not too young now. Better in 3-5 more years with cellaring. — 7 years ago