2001 Barolo Monfortino Riserva
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Tasting notes
The 2001 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is a wine that appears to be going through an adolescent, unsettled phase. Several recent bottles have been quite stubborn, but this magnum is a bit better. Elegant and silky in feel, the 2001 gives the impression that it will mature earlier than some of the surrounding vintages. I know that will surprises more than a few Vinous readers – it surprises me too – but that’s just the way things look right now.
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
A close second in this flight, the 2001 is dense, pure and intense to the core. Stylistically, the 2001 Monfortino lies between the 1999 and the 2004, which is pretty appealing. In this tasting, the 2001 is a bit reticent, as it is neither young nor mature. It is majestic though. Readers who own the 2001 need to be patient. There is so much to look forward to. Tasted from magnum.
Conterno's 2001 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is a towering, gigantic wine. Layers of sweet perfumed fruit flow across the palate in this gracious, refined yet powerful Monfortino. Hints of sweet red berries, roses, licorice and spices wrap around the deeply resonant finish. This is another wine that begs for patience. Today it is an infant.
Conterno’s 2001 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is a towering, gigantic wine. Layers of sweet perfumed fruit flow across the palate in this gracious, refined yet powerful Monfortino. Hints of sweet red berries, roses, licorice and spices wrap around the deeply resonant finish. This is another wine that begs for patience. Today it is an infant. Anticipated maturity: 2021-2041. Readers fortunate enough to own Conterno’s 2001s would do well to forget about the wines for a good 5-10 years. These are some of the most backward, Barolis of the vintage. Importers: Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY; tel. (914) 244-0404, The Rare Wine Co., Sonoma, CA; tel. (707) 996-4484
About the producer
Giacomo Conterno is arguably Barolo’s most celebrated estate. While most famous for its Monfortino Riserva, the quality found in every bottling of Nebbiolo and Barbera at this address makes them a benchmark producer for both varieties.