2007 Paolo Conterno Barolo Riserva Ginestra

Conterno's 2007 Barolo Ginestra Riserva is a terrific example of the year. Sweet, silky tannins provide the backbone for a rich, expansive Barolo endowed with gorgeous depth and volume. Espresso, menthol, dried cherries, plums and tobacco blossom in a Barolo that drinks well now, but also has more than enough body to develop beautifully for years in bottle.

The 2007 Barolo Riserva Ginestra is born in extremely difficult conditions. Fruit is sourced from a hillside plot with impossibly steep inclines and shallow soils (with white tufo and clay) for limited root penetration. These factors help curb the natural vigor of the grapevine and result in high quality fruit. This wine sees a long maceration period (up to 40 days) and almost six years of barrel aging in botte grande. The results are spectacular with rich floral and menthol aromas folded within the wine’s silky texture. This 2007 Riserva feels much younger than it really is. Drink: 2016-2035. Jun 2014, www.robertparker.com