2006 Conterno Fantino Barolo Sori Ginestra

Round and chewy, with an impressive concentration of ripe fruit and tannins on the palate. Solid Barolo.

Closed nose, impenetrable tannins. Some spice and chocolate, very dry fruit. Severe and extreme. Needs many years. (RH)

The estate’s 2006 Barolo Sori Ginestra is massive and intense. Layers of aromatic nuance and complexity are backed up with powerful, dense fruit. Today the wine is quite understandably painfully young, and patience is required for the tannins to soften, but this is a highly promising Barolo. With time in the glass, the signature notes of menthol, spices, pine and minerals gain focus and clarity, giving a hint of what is in store for the future. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2031. Guido Fantino describes 2006 as warm, especially during the summer. A spell of rain in mid-September refreshed the vines and set the stage for a Nebbiolo harvest that took place in early October, finishing on the 10th. The estate’s 2006 Barolos are massive, powerful wines, yet possess beautiful overall balance. Vinification remains very much reflective of the modern school, which is to say relatively short fermentations in rotary tanks, followed by malolactic fermentation and aging in 100% new oak. While the wood is clearly felt in these wines, in top vintages these Barolos come together beautifully in bottle, which I expect to be the case here as well. I also had a chance to taste the estate’s 2007 and 2008 Barolos from barrel. For now, let me just say that there is no shortage of great wines maturing in these cellars. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900