2005 Conterno Fantino Barolo Mosconi
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Tasting notes
The 2005 Barolo Mosconi is without question the most successful of Conterno-Fantino's 2005s. Mosconi is a south-facing site that tends to produce potent Barolos. In 2005, that natural size was a big benefit, as the Mosconi is the only wine of these three Barolos that had enough stuffing to handle the new oak. The Mosconi is a dark, powerful intense wine marked by its huge center of fruit and enveloping textural presence. Mocha, bittersweet chocolate, black cherries and dark spice flesh out in a brooding, resonant Barolo that captures the personality of this Monforte site. All the elements are nicely balanced within this style.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Deep red. Highly aromatic nose combines redcurrant, dark spices, mocha, coffee and underbrush. Sweet, dense and penetrating; a bit more youthfully tough and dominated by its backbone than the Vigna del Gris but there's lovely silky sweetness too. Finishes with substantial tannins and excellent breadth.
The 2005 Barolo Mosconi is decidedly more muscular and dense than the Vigna del Gris, much of which can be attributed to the vineyard's pure south exposure. Here the wine lacks the aromatic definition found in both Vigna del Gris and Sori Ginestra, but the Mosconi's voluptuous, round texture compensates. This stylish, generous Barolo offers tons of balance in a harmonious style.
The 2005 Barolo Mosconi is decidedly more muscular and dense than the Vigna del Gris, much of which can be attributed to the vineyard’s pure south exposure. Here the wine lacks the aromatic definition found in both Vigna del Gris and Sori Ginestra, but the Mosconi’s voluptuous, round texture compensates. This stylish, generous Barolo offers tons of balance in a harmonious style. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2025. This is a gorgeous set of wines from Conterno-Fantino. My November visit coincided with the first of several heavy snowfalls the region experienced during the winter of 2008/2009. Navigating the steep hills of Monforte and environs was oddly calming as there was no one on the roads. As for the wines, they were magnificent. Conterno-Fantino fans have much to look forward to as the estate’s 2006, 2007 and 2008 Barolos all appeared very promising when I tasted them from barrel. In the meantime, these fine 2005s are among the most gorgeous and well-balanced wines I encountered. Not much has changed here in terms of vinification. The 2005s were vinified in rotary fermenters and aged in 100% new French oak barrels from coopers Taransaud, Boutes and Quintessence. Be that as it may, the wines seem increasingly elegant and refined. Conterno-Fantino remains one of my favorite Piedmont producers and is to be commended for the consistently high quality it delivers across its entire range. Importer: Empson, USA, Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900