2003 Barolo Sori Ginestra
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Tasting notes
Menthol, pine, sweet tobacco and incense are some of the many notes that take shape in the 2003 Barolo Sorì Ginestra. Deep, pungent and beautifully expressive, the 2003 has developed very well. The Ginestra has more fruit intensity than the Vigna del Gris, but also correspondingly higher tannin.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Medium red. Musky raspberry, plum, minerals and sexy oak tones on the nose; this shows more lift from limestone. Fuller and rounder in the mouth than the Vigna del Gris, with red fruit and floral flavors demonstrating seductive sweetness but also excellent delineation. Intriguing truffle and tar nuances add appeal. What sets this wine apart from most other Barolos of this vintage is the quality of its tannins, which are substantial and have real bite but are essentially round and fine.
In multiple tastings over the last year the estate's 2003 Barolo Sorì Ginestra has cons istently proven to be one of the vintage's top Barolos. The wine's hallmark qualities are all there; deep color, full-bodied, intense black cherries and plums, grilled herbs, spices and sweet toasted oak, even if they are not as well-articulated as in more typical vintages. Rich and expansive on the palate, this big, strapping Barolo needs another few years of bottle age to drink at its finest.
In multiple tastings over the last year the estate’s 2003 Barolo Sori Ginestra has consistently proven to be one of the vintage’s top Barolos. The wine’s hallmark qualities are all there; deep color, full-bodied, intense black cherries and plums, grilled herbs, spices and sweet toasted oak, even if they are not as well-articulated as in more typical vintages. Rich and expansive on the palate, this big, strapping Barolo needs another few years of bottle age to drink at its finest. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2018. Things haven’t changed much at Conterno-Fantino, at least not yet. The estate continues to make sleek, modern-styled Barolos aged in 100% new French oak. Guido Fantino tells me his son Fabio has begun aging a few lots of his own wine in mid-size casks, so it will be interesting to see the direction the new generation takes. The estate has a new Barolo from the Mosconi vineyard that will make its debut with the 2004 vintage. My early impressions from cask of this and the estate’s other 2004 Barolos are positive. Importer: Empson USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900