1978 Giacomo Conterno Barolo Riserva Speciale Monfortino
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Tasting notes
Arguably the most profound wine made here, the 1978 Monfortino is highly anticipated. Still virile and imposing, the 1978 stains the palate with dark plum, graphite, incense, scorched earth and balsamic, mentholated notes. A Barolo of magnificent depth and structure, the 1978 Monfortino captures this historic vintage at its best. Interestingly, the 1978 was made from vines that were just four years old. It was also the first vintage Conterno made from their Cascina Francia vineyard, which they acquired in 1974.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1978 Monfortino is widely regarded as one of the pinnacles of Barolo and this bottle did not disappoint. Many of the top wines in this vintage possess incredible richness of fruit. The Monfortino added a further dimension of clarity and precision that elevated it among this group of heroic wines. This bottle was pure magic, as layers of deeply spiced fruit flowed with remarkable precision, power and sheer elegance.
Dark ruby. Conterno's 1978 Monfortino remains one of the greatest Barolos ever made. It offers complex sensations of spices, cocoa, leather, licorice and menthol followed by layers of dark fruit that coat the palate with incredible persistence and length. This particular bottle seemed to show a more pronounced alcoholic component than have other recent bottles and although it is not the best bottle I have ever had, it still offered a great drinking experience. The 1978 Monfortino is a pure joy to drink today, and like the Monprivato, its aging potential appears to be virtually limitless.
Judging from its dark impenetrable color, this is unmistakably Monfortino. The 1978 is without question on of the finest wines I have ever tasted and this bottle was spectacular. It is a deep, concentrated effort boasting a rich balsamic nose of spices and minerals along with layers of dark ripe fruit that gradually reveal themselves, supported by a structured frame of great length, with a final note of freshness that suggests that this wine has a long life ahead. While the 1978 Giacosa Riserva Bussia is delicate and ethereal, the 1978 Monfortino remains powerful and authoritative. I am reminded of the frequently asked question: “Should a great wine be intellectually stimulating or hedonistic?” Monfortino is both, in equal measure. It is a wine that completely engages all of the senses, and needless to say, tasting the 1978 is always a real treat. 98 points/tasted 06/05
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.