2013 Poderi Aldo Conterno Barolo

This shows a beautiful complexity of ripe fruit such as cherries as well as orange peel undertones with lemon and pineapple highlights. Medium body and well-defined tannins. Drink in 2020.

It may be a so-called entry level Barolo, but the 2013 Barolo Bussia definitely delivers the goods. Fruit is sourced from three separate points within the larger Bussia cru. These sites are characterized by clay soils with southeast exposures and approximately 25-year-old vines. The quality of fruit is very intense and defined with dark cherry and dried blackberry. Yet the mouthfeel is ethereal, light and buoyant. Keeping in line with the vintage, the tannins are firm and slightly rigid. However, they are well absorbed by the exuberant nature of the fruit. The wine's personality is reminiscent of the Barolo Bussia Cicala.

Monforte d’Alba. An entry-level Barolo, made from a blend of grapes from different plots within Bussia. Four weeks on the skin, and 27 months in 25-hl casks. Mid ruby with orange tinges. Elegant, a little austere and spicy on the nose. Austere structure on the palate, but with mouth-filling perfume. Bags of powerful tannins and focused cherry fruit. Not ready by a long way, and wonderfully built. (WS)