Jay Kline

9.6

Conterno’s “Monfortino” Barolo Riserva (early vintages like this one were labeled as “Stravecchia” and “Extra Barolo”) practically defined the Riserva style. In many ways, one could make the arguement that it blazed the trail for Barolo’s reputation as being the age-worthy wine it is today. Back in the early days, Monfortino was a blend of purchased fruit. Control of Cascina Francia, in Serralunga d’Alba, did not come until the late 1970’s. I can’t be sure but I believe the fruit used to be sourced from Monforte d’Alba and specifically from Le Coste, Bussia and possibly others.

This bottle was opened several hours prior to service. The 1941 Monfortino pours a pale garnet/rust color with significant rim variation and a translucent core; medium viscosity with no staining of the tears and light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with notes of Maraschino cherry, menthol, Tootsie Roll, espresso macchiato, walnut, and truffle. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin (fully integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. Sublime. Getting to experience an 80+ year old wine is always a special treat. Getting to experience a Barolo from World War II, during one of the darkest periods in Italy’s past, is extraordinary. Getting to experience early Monfortino (pre-estate) made by Giacomo himself…well, it is drinking history. I nearly got emotional. While it’s clearly is showing its age, the 1941 shows its class and has some impressive moves. We delighted as it danced across the palate, proving that it still has stories to tell. Drink now if you ever see a bottle. — 3 days ago

Vino Joe

9.3

Weighty and deep. Dark colored. Mature to the point of being a bit too aged. Tannins were mellowed but it just seemed like a less lively bottle this time around. — a month ago

Ki Punwar

Owner, California Wine Republic

9.5

In a good place — 11 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.5

Medium Ruby color with complex aromas of berry fruits, oak, tobacco, spice and earthy floral scents. On the palate flavors of tart cherry, tobacco, licorice, espresso and fresh herbs. Fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit and earthy notes, well balanced, enjoyable now and has room to run over the next decade. Very Nice! — 3 days ago

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 2020 pours a deep garnet color with a translucent core; medium+ viscosity with no staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of ripe and tart fruits: Morello cherry, raspberry, cranberry, roses, tar, cool spices and dry earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with high tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is medium+. I found this bottle to be a little shy for the first 30min or so but opened up nicely by the end of our meal. Drink now through 2040. — a month ago

Craig Marino

9.2

sooooo smooth with great balance — 21 days ago

William Lauder

9.5

In Magnum. Truly Sublime. — 14 days ago

Michael Dierberg

9.3

Great nose and mouthfeel although the tannins were took time to soften. Decanted for a half hour before drinking. — 4 days ago

with JiaMin

Mark Rosse

9.5

Wine of the night! — a month ago

Katya

9.3

Ароматное, на вкус не очень сложное, но Сереже понравилось. Пардон, питкое. — 17 days ago