2017 Barolo Cicala
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2017 Barolo Cicala is a powerful, deep wine. Black cherry, menthol, tobacco, scorched earth, chocolate and searing tannins are some of the signatures. The Cicala has plenty of depth, but my instincts say it will mature before the tannins soften. I would prefer to drink this over the next decade, but readers need to expect that the balance is not ideal.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Sweet berries and cherries with strawberries and flowers, such as violets and roses. Full-bodied, yet extremely refined and polished with beautiful finesse and length. Very long and intense. Drink after 2024.
The Poderi Aldo Conterno 2017 Barolo Bussia Cicala reveals a deep garnet color with some dark copper. Like the other 2017 wines from this celebrated producer, I can't help but suspect that these areas of Bussia suffered from the heat and some of the other weather challenges associated with this growing season. A clear note of overt ripeness comes across as dried strawberry or sweet crème de cassis. The finish is similarly weighed down by the fruit weight and oak tannins.