2002 Barolo Monfortino Riserva
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The 2002 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is epic. No surprise there, as it has always been a tremendous wine. Giovanni and Roberto Conterno made the most out of a vintage shaped by ideal weather at the end of a cold growing season. Rich and layered, with super-finessed tannins, the 2002 is magnificent on this evening, Hints of balsamic-infused spice, rose petal and cedar resonate on the palate in a magical, textured Barolo that delivers on all levels. This is exactly what Barolo can be—hedonistic and intellectual at the same time.
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The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2002 Barolo Riserva Monfortino represents a significant turning point for Conterno. It was the first vintage in which the estate bottled Monfortino, but no Barolo Cascina Francia, a choice repeated in 2013 and 2014. It was a very cool and rainy year that I remember well, as I lived in Italy at the time. I also remember the sight of vineyards in La Morra totally decimated by hail in early September. Things were completely different over in Serralunga, however. Hail was not an issue, and the weather turned ideal in September and October, perfect for these late ripening vineyards. Giovanni and Roberto Conterno were annoyed that so many in the press had declared the vintage a disaster before harvest was even finished. And so, they decided to surprise the world with this magnificent Barolo, which was held under wraps for a number of years. Today, at nearly eighteen years of age, the 2002 is an infant, but it is every bit as monumental as it has always been. Readers should expect a potent, tannic Monfortino for the ages.
The 2002 Monfortino is one of the most iconic Conterno wines in recent memory for the reasons described above. Interestingly, the additional year in cask has made the 2002 much more approachable in its youth than most other vintages, so opening a bottle at this stage is not as crazy as it might seem on paper. The 2002 impresses for its depth, concentration and complexity. Tonight, it is superb. Tasted from magnum.
Conterno’s 2002 Barolo Riserva Monfortino is surprisingly open for a young Monfortino, something that has come through in several recent tastings. Perhaps that is the result of the extra year in barrel Conterno gave the 2002. Regardless, tonight the 2002 is rich, powerful and deeply expressive.
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.