2010 Barolo Ginestra
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Plums, black cherries, menthol, new leather and spices all burst from the glass in Conterno's 2010 Barolo Ginestra. A rich, explosive wine, the 2008 is built on a core of seriously ripe fruit and equally intense structure. This imposing, brooding Barolo needs time, but it is likely to always remain a brute.
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Monica Larner, Wine Advocate
Walter Speller, jancisrobinson.com
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The 2010 Barolo Ginestra is a territory-driven wine that reflects all of the characteristics associated with the Ginestra cru. It shows elegant mineral and floral aromas backed by an extremely soft and supple tannic quality. This single-vineyard often shows silky tannins that set it apart from much of Monforte d’Alba’s more structured wines. Barolo Ginestra also boasts a deep sense of energy and tension that should hold forth over the course of time. Drink: 2017-2030. Giorgio Conterno knows how to set a relaxing tone. A visit to his tasting room offers a meaningful sensorial experience with classical music, stunning hillside views and beautiful wines (most especially in 2010). A Marc de Grazia Selection with various American importers, including: Marc de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael, CA; tel. (415) 492-9411; Robert Houde Wines, Elk Grove Village, IL; tel. (847) 430-3887
Monforte d’Alba. Concentrated, deep ruby. Compelling dense, ripe fruit with a hint of leather. Great balance between fruit and powdery tannins but still needs to gain in complexity. (WS)
Dark red cherry, plum, smoke, graphite, tobacco and baking spices lead to expressive mentholated, balsamic notes in the 2010 Barolo Ginestra. Still in barrel, the 2010 comes across as quite intense and raw. At the same time, the wine's vibrancy and overall structure are highly promising.