2011 Barolo Cerretta
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Tasting notes
A dark, virile wine, the 2011 Barolo Cerretta shows just how far Conterno has come with this site. The flavors are dark, bold and incisive throughout, with plenty of dark red cherry, plum, leather, smoke, tar, licorice and scorched earth overtones. Powerful and intense, with a real sense of vertical structure, Cerretta is going to need time to settle down. There is none of the early appeal of the vintage here, so readers will have to be patient. This is going to be a fascinating wine to follow as it ages over the coming decades.
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Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Barolo Cerretta is fabulous. Next to the more floral/savory Francia, the Barolo Cerretta presents greater density and overall volume today, both qualities are very nicely aligned with the style of the year. The flavors are bold and intense, with plenty of dark red cherry, plum, spice, cedar and new leather. Roberto Conterno told me he would need 2-3 years to get Cerretta in shape when we first walked the vineyard together during the days his acquistion was being finalized. Judjing by the most recent vintages here, it looks like he is right on schedule. This is a fabulous vintage for the Cerretta, especially considering the Francia includes fruit that could have gone into a Monfortino bottling!
Whereas the Barolo Francia is laced with floral and mineral overtones, the 2011 Barolo Cerretta is all about weight and intensity. An immediate, explosive wine, the Cerretta captures all of the resonance and volume of the year in a style that should offer more near-term appeal than the Francia. Dark red cherries, plums and menthol blossom on the fleshy, expressive finish.
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.